Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023

Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Questions (756)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

756. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if holders of valid forest road approvals can start their forest road projects and that current provision to opt into the forestry programme 2023-2027 exists, as the de minimis options are no longer available; if this also applies to the ash dieback Reconstitution and Underplanting schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39876/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department will be writing to holders of valid grant aided road licences and valid RUS approvals, who have not opted into the De Minimis Schemes, in the coming weeks offering them the opportunity to opt into the new Roads and Reconstitution Ash-dieback schemes under the new Forestry Programme.

Those who received approval under the Department's De Minimis Schemes may commence work in line with their approved timelines.