Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024

Thursday, 7 March 2024

Questions (295)

Michael Lowry

Question:

295. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 265, 266 and 267 and 268 of 14 February 2024, to confirm registered ecologists were not permitted to attend the in person training referred to in the answer; if his Department will be providing additional guidance via circulars, updated working documents or other text documents for the assessment of environmental constraints in afforestation (high nature farmland, farmland birds, breeding waders, hen harriers); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11251/24]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department invited Registered Foresters to attend in person training events on afforestation in relation to the new Forestry Programme in October 2023. These training events included both an indoor and outdoor element and focused on the new environmental requirements and procedures particularly in relation to habitat identification, high nature value farmland, hen harrier and breeding waders. It was designed for the needs of Registered Foresters rather than for ecologists. Whilst ecologists were not necessarily invited to these training events, I understand a small number of private ecologists did attend.

In late October Online training was provided specifically for private ecologists. It differed from that provided to Registered Foresters in that in addition to information on the new requirements, it provided an introduction to the Forestry Programme and information available to Registered Foresters on the online application system iNET.

Further guidance, updates to procedures and training will take place throughout the year.