I propose to take Questions Nos. 1284 to 1287, inclusive, together.
New interim ‘Standards for Felling and Reforestation’ were circulated in October 2019. These Standards immediately replaced measures relating to felling set out in the existing standards ‘Forest Harvesting & the Environment Guidelines (2000)’. The ‘Standards for Felling and Reforestation’ from October 2019 is still the current document today.
This new standards document sets out the standards that apply to all felling (thinning and clearfelling) and reforestation projects on all sites throughout Ireland, undertaken under a felling licence issued by the Department under the Forestry Regulations, 2017 (S.I. No. 191/2017).
When released in October 2019, comments on the document were sought from stakeholders and I understand 10 submissions were received. Some the comments suggested textual changes to improve the practical implementation of various measures set out in the document.
The stated intention at the time was that the consultation submissions would be considered and a revised version of the document would issue in due course. This unfortunately did not happen due to pressure of work and to date the document has not been revised to take account of the comments received.
The Department is committed to updating this document and the Mackinnon Report has made specific recommendations on the review of these types of standards and documents. Under the Implementation of the Project Woodland plan, the updating of Forest Standard documents is a key deliverable for consideration by one of the Working Groups. It will now be considered in this context.