Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
238. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration is being given under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 to a more compacted and applicant friendly planting licensing process, in view of the ever-lengthening licence application process for approval to attract more applicants and investors going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40778/23]
View answerThe new Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027, which was launched on 6th September, supports the largest, most farmer-friendly investment in forestry in the history of the State, and the Afforestation Scheme is now open to applications.
It is the case that changes in regulatory requirements in relation to forestry licensing has necessitated additional information sometimes being required by landowners when applying for a licence. Furthermore, environmental considerations which must be complied with as part of our State Aid approval will require a detailed assessment process and consideration by applicants of the impact of afforestation on peats, birds and high nature value farmland. While this brings some complexity to applying for a licence, I am confident that the diverse range of forest types, coupled with attractive grants and premiums, now on offer under the new Programme will encourage landowners to plant trees.
My Department operates an on-line application system (iNET) to facilitate the submission of forestry applications by registered foresters, on behalf of the landowner. Having access to iNET spatial layers aids data entry of pertinent spatial information by the registered forester and allows for the consideration of environmental receptors such as nearby rivers, streams or European and nationally designated sites (NHAs, SPAs, NHAs SACs etc).The system ensures that registered foresters have access to the most relevant and up-to-date environmental, ecological information and scheme related layers when compiling and submitting their afforestation licence application.
We are providing training and guidance to registered foresters to assist them in submitting valid applications and furthermore we are providing an environment report grant to help landowners apply for afforestation licences.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to continual improvement and will continue to work to ensure that our systems are as accessible as possible in order to facilitate a well-functioning licensing system.
