Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022
736. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the exact date that the details of the new forestry programme will be sent to the European Commission for review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47883/22]
View answerMinister of State Pippa Hackett met with Commissioners Virginijus Sinkevicius and Janusz Wojciechowski recently to update them on Irish forestry, particularly the extensive public consultation undertaken on the Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050 and the subsequent development of the new Forest Strategy and Forestry Programme. My Department also actively participates in both the EU Council Working Group on Forestry and the Standing Forestry Committee where relevant forestry matters are discussed. Officials from my Department will shortly be meeting bi-laterally with Commission officials to discuss the draft Programme.
The new Programme forms part of a new Forest Strategy Implementation Plan which is currently being developed. The Forest Strategy Implementation Plan is subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment/Appropriate Assessment process, and this will include public consultation on the draft Plan and Environmental Report. We expect that this consultation will commence in the coming weeks and once this has concluded the Plan will be sent to the European Commission for review.
