Planning Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2021

Thursday, 9 December 2021

Questions (356)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

356. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his officials concluded discussions and arrived at a successful outcome with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the issue of requirement for planning permission on dead and dying and rotting ash crops as committed to by the Secretary General of his Department at a Joint Oireachtas Committee meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61018/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am acutely aware that the requirement for planning permission in certain situations when replacing Broadleaf High Forest with Conifer species has introduced difficulties for landowners wishing to clear their diseased ash plantations and replace them with other species.

We are exploring potential alternatives to the current system, as advised at the Joint Oireachtas Committee, and contact is ongoing between my Department and the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage on the issue. We will report on any developments as they arise.