Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
1175. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an afforestation application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30657/21]
View answerAn application for the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme and an afforestation licence was received on behalf of the person named in May 2020.
Upon initial assessment, there is direct connectivity, via a water course, to Lough Corrib SAC and, as a result, there is potential for impacts on salmon and otter species along with water quality. The application has, therefore, been referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit.
The applicant may provide a Natura Impact Statement (NIS), prepared by a suitably qualified person. An NIS can reduce the time taken to assess the application as, when received, the ecological assessment would be completed in two to three months. Following that, the file is then returned to the Forestry District Inspector for their final assessment and recommendations.
