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Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021

Wednesday, 14 July 2021

Questions (448)

Carol Nolan

Question:

448. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a forestry application submitted 16 months ago (details supplied); the reason for the delay; the measures he is taking to address the backlog in forestry applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38235/21]

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Written answers

A tree felling application for the person named was received in March 2020 and a harvest plan has been provided. The application is currently with my Department’s Ecology Unit and is being dealt with and an Appropriate Assessment Report will be produced as soon as possible. When that is finalised, the application will be advertised on my Department’s website and opened for a 30-day public consultation period.

This new consultation period has been established recently, following new legislation, SI 293/2021, by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, when affects the way in which planning applications, including forestry licences are assessed. Once that period has elapsed, the ecologist will review any submissions received and will make an Appropriate Assessment Determination at which stage the file will be returned to the inspector for final decision.

The delays in dealing with forestry licence applications have arisen because of substantial changes which were introduced due to European Court of Justice and Irish law rulings relating to the protection of European sites. This led directly to most forestry projects being screened in for Appropriate Assessment, which was challenging to implement and led to a need for greater ecological input. This is turn created a backlog in licences.

Addressing this backlog is a matter of immediate priority for me and the Department. Project Woodland, which was launched in February this year, has been set up with the objective of reviewing and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the forestry licensing system, as well as the creation of a shared national vision for forestry and the development of a new Forest Strategy.

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