Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
46. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way his Department can assist with funding opportunities to support research initiatives in the area of climate change and agriculture; if this will include initiatives in forestry and streamlining the felling licence process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38566/21]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through its competitive research calls provides significant funding for a wide range of projects in the area of climate change. Climate change will have the potential for significant impacts on agriculture and forests. It is important that we continue to support research that improves resilience and explores pathways to climate neutrality. A changing climate will have impacts on trees species and crops as temperature rises and moisture deficits increase.
For example, my Department is currently funding a project called FITFORESTs which will examine the role of species selection in the establishment of new forests. This research will focus on key species in Irish forestry and will provide up to date information on the best provenances and seed origins adapted for future Irish climatic conditions. This project is being lead by Teagasc and my Department is providing funding of approximately €640,000. My Department also provides funding jointly with the Environmental Protection Agency on other research projects and one of particular relevance is the SEQUESTER project. This project is examining pathways towards carbon neutrality in 2050 across the land use sector, including forestry.
In relation to the other important question the Deputy raises on initiatives to help streamline the felling licensing system this is an area being closely examined by Project Woodland. 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. A business analyst has commenced work on an end-to-end process review. Project Woodland has also recommended that a regulatory review of the licensing system be carried out.
I have agreed to this proposal and have asked the Project Board to advise on how best to do this as quickly as possible. This review, to be carried out by an independent expert, will include an examination of experiences in other Member States in licensing forestry activities and how they comply with EU legislation and from this what lessons we can bring to our licensing systems.
