Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:219. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Coillte felling licences in the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15196/22]
View answerWednesday, 23 March 2022
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Written answers
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has, through Project Woodland, established a definition of the backlog, which is any licence application on hand for over 120 days.
As of 11th March 2022, there were 898 Coillte felling files with the Department more than 120 days.
Using this 120 days as the definition of the backlog, the backlog of applications has reduced by 29% since the end of August 2021, which is a significant reduction in the number of applications awaiting decision.
The Forestry Licensing Plan for 2022 contains a target of the issuing of 5,250 licences, which is a year-on-year increase of 30%.
2021 was a good year for felling licences with applications of more than 8 million cubic metres of timber volume licensed during the year. The licensing plan for 2022 has set a target of 1,830 private felling licences representing a year on year increase of 36%.
The plan sets a target of 1,530 Coillte felling licences which is the same as the number of Coillte felling licences issued in 2021.