Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
674. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projected number of ecologists required to deliver an 8,000-hectare afforestation based on output of licences per ecologist in 2021 when considering the existing conversion rates from approval to planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2900/22]
View answerMy Department issued 4,050 new licences in 2021. By way of comparison this is 56% higher than the 2020 figure. 2021 marks a turning point for forest roads and private felling as the number of forest roads licensed is the highest on record and the number of private felling licences is the second highest over the last five years. In relation to afforestation 476 applications were received and 502 licences were issued for 4,246 hectares in 2021. The Department is committed to a significant increase in afforestation licences in 2022.
The issuing of licences, depending on the complexity, requires input from a range of Department staff including Forestry Inspectors, Ecologists, Archaeologists and Administrative staff. Some licences will require more attention from one of these groups than others depending on the complexity of the licence. The ecological input required will depend on the individual circumstances in each licence application
My Department keeps all forestry staffing under continuous review. Recently the Department issued a Request for Tender for Ecological services. This will give the Department more flexibility in hiring additional ecologists, where needed, during 2022.
There are of course other factors which can influence licensing output and an external regulatory review is currently underway under Project Woodland with the report due next month. This review will determine whether there are better ways of processing licence applications while also having regard for existing legal frameworks, judical precedents and relevant Commission guidelines.
I would also add the importance of good quality applications from foresters in this regard. As always my Department remains available to provide the necessary training and guidance if needed to help improve the quality of applications.
