Every application for a forestry licence is assessed on its own merits and in combination with other plans or projects in the area. 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 tree felling licences was relatively balanced with 52% of felling licences issuing to Coillte and 48% to private applicants (in volume terms). To date this year, the breakdown is 56% to Coillte and 44% to the private sector. In recent weeks, the number of private felling licences issued has increased with the largest number this year issued last week at 39 licences. I expect this output to continue.
The Department has set a target of 4,500 forestry licences to issue this year which is a 75% increase on last year, which I accept was a low year, and is committed to meeting this target. Every licence whether private or Coillte is valuable as they all support jobs in rural Ireland and our aim is to issue as many as possible to all applicants in 2021.
