Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
2047. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has spoken to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding the possible impact that a backlog in the issuing of forestry licences may have on Ireland's climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15947/21]
View answer2048. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has spoken to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the possible impact that a backlog in the issuing of forestry licences may have on the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15948/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2047 and 2048 together.
I am aware of the important role forestry plays in meeting our environmental objectives under the Climate Action Plan as well as its contribution to the wider economy. These objectives for forestry are included in the Programme for Government and we collectively as a government have responsibility to deliver on the entire programme, and we work together as cabinet colleagues towards achieving that aim.
In terms of the Climate Action Plan 2019, the target for afforestation is 8,000 ha per annum and the target of forest road works at 125 km per annum. The Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment are currently in consultation with other Departments to prepare an update to the Climate Action Plan for 2021 and beyond. My officials are actively involved in this process and the revised plan will take account of our climate change commitments to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and beyond. As with the current Plan, there will be a framework in place for the responsible Departments to report regularly on progress made on agreed actions towards delivering on identified targets.
The delays in issuing licences has impacted the sawmills the forestry sector. My officials are in regular contact with timber industry stakeholders and have made all efforts to ensure that timber requirements are met. That is why felling licences were given priority over others in the latter months of 2020, with some three million cubic metres issued since last August. Coillte, which supplies 75% of all material to Irish sawmills, is 99% licensed for its 2021 licensing requirement. 70% of this material is available for use and my Department continues to work with Coillte to resolve any issues to make the last of this material available.
A target of issuing 4,500 licences in 2021 has been set, which is a 74% increase on 2020. A new structure under Project Woodland, which was recently launched by Minister of State Pippa Hackett, is being introduced to ensure that the current backlog is addressed and that a new impetus is brought to woodland creation in Ireland. Minister Hackett, who has overall responsibility for forestry, has indicated that this Project will involve a review and refresh of our processes and procedures and will include outside stakeholder participation to bring an independent perspective. It will be a task-driven process, with clear deliverable and milestones.
Along with Minister Hackett, I am committed to supporting the forestry sector in reaching its potential to contribute to Ireland's economic, environmental and societal goals. I believe that the steps we have taken and intend to take under Project Woodland will bring the results we need to achieve this.
