Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
937. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an organisation (details supplied) has submitted its final report on the review of the legislation and the full examination of the regulatory system for the forestry licencing; if the report has been finalised, if he will provide details of the findings; when he will introduce the recommended changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17973/22]
View answerThe regulatory review of the licensing process is an important initiative which is being carried out by a consultant, Philip Lee and Associates, with legal and environmental expertise under the auspices of Project Woodland. As you may be aware Project Woodland was launched in February 2021 and aims to improve the forestry licensing system as well as developing a shared vision for woodland creation in Ireland.
The regulatory review is assessing the existing statutory framework for the licensing of forestry activities in relation to environmental and public participation obligations in order that practical advice can be provided to the Department on how to work more efficiently within the existing legal framework. The review is also considering the issue of a single consent system and statutory timelines. The draft review was recently presented to the Project Board and the Project Woodland Working Groups and will be presented to the Forestry Policy Group this week.
The regulatory review is expected to be finalised following this stakeholder engagement. Once finalised, the review will be published and the Department will consider all recommendations the consultants have made.
