Agriculture Committee resumes debate on issues related to forestry industry with Minister Pippa Hackett

Speaking in advance of the meeting at 2pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House, Committee Cathaoirleach Jackie Cahill TD said: “The Committee welcomes this opportunity to meet with Minister Hackett to discuss serious concerns about the forestry industry. This follows our engagement with officials from the Department at the end of May.

“We would like to discuss the progress on commitments made in the Programme for Government to address the difficulties faced by the forestry industry and the knock-on consequences for other sectors of the economy, including the construction industry where a shortage of timber supplies is causing particular strain. We are particularly concerned about the level of afforestation and that it seems only 20 to 25 per cent of the Programme for Government target will be met this year.

“Members would also like to discuss the drop in the number of tree felling licences issued in recent weeks which we are told is due to the introduction of a new regulation where projects which fall under the Habitats Directive now require an additional 30 days for public consultation.”

You can view the meeting in Committee Room 3 on the Oireachtas website.

The Joint Committee on Agriculture and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

More information can be found on the dedicated Committee Webpage. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.