Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
641. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding harvesting plans (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33278/21]
View answerThe control of tree felling is regulated under the Forestry Act, 2014 and the Forestry Regulations, 2017 (SI number 191/2017).
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. Where not provided at application stage, the Department often subsequently requires a harvest plan or other information about the felling so that it can satisfy itself that that the project will not have an adverse effect on the environment.
In June 2019, a Harvest Plan template was developed for the sector and Circular 11 of 2019 encouraged its use. DAFM Circular 18 of 2020 confirms that, for sites that are screened in for Appropriate Assessment, a well-developed Harvest Plan (or equivalent) is essential, as it is likely to inform part or all of the site level mitigation associated with the appropriate assessment. This applies equally to Coillte and private applicants.
The Department has recently updated its advice to applicants and their advisers on the important role which good quality harvest plans can play in the processing of their licences. This issued last week in the form of a circular to the trade. It is important that all stakeholders study the circular and respond accordingly when making submissions.
