Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
981. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department accept, process and approve Coillte tree felling licence applications in a manner different to the standards that apply to private applications. [24193/21]
View answerThe control of tree felling is regulated under the Forestry Act, 2014 and the Forestry Regulations, 2017 (SI number 191/2017) and are applicable to all applications for tree felling licences, regardless of the applicant. Every application for a forestry licence is assessed on its own merits and in combination with other plans or projects in the area and so other information including a Harvest Plan or a Natura Impact Statement may also be required to fully assess the proposed operations.
The provision of a harvest plan at application stage is not a legal requirement. However, applicants are encouraged to include them with their licence application and Coillte have done this with their recent application accepted in March. Where not provided at application stage, the Department often subsequently requires a harvest plan or other information about the felling so that the Department can satisfy itself that that the project will not have an adverse effect on the environment. Coillte has also undertaken to provide further, site-specific site information in support of their recent applications. This will assist the Department in reaching a decision on their application.
Decisions on Coillte applications are subject to the same assessment, public consultation, and appeals process as decisions on private sector applications. In 2020, the issuing of licences was relatively balanced with 52% of felling licences issuing to Coillte and 48% to private applicants (in volume terms). To date this year in 2021, the breakdown is 60% to Coillte, 40% to the private sector.
