Matt Shanahan
Question:758. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date he expects to publish his forestry licensing plan for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58729/22]
View answerTuesday, 29 November 2022
Questions (758)
Written answers
My Department published the Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 in February this year. The plan informed stakeholders of our targets for the delivery of afforestation, felling and forest road licences, and of our commitment to reducing the backlog. It represented a year-on-year increase of 30% on 2021, with a target of 5,250 licences.
To 25th November 2022, we have issued 4,360 licences which is 92% of our expected output at this point in the year. The backlog in licences overall has reduced from 6,000 in August 2021, to 3,700 in January of this year and now stands at 2,042 at 25th November 2022. We are issuing more licences than applications received, and this means that the backlog continues to drop, with faster turnaround times for new applicants.
I see great merit in signalling to forest owners, landowners, and the forest sector our intentions at the beginning of the year which is why I intend to publish a new Forestry Licensing Plan early in 2023