I understood that I was here to respond to the matter of the inconvenience being caused to many people by forestry planting too near their homes. The Deputy seems to be referring solely to planting which may block out a scenic view, which is a completely different thing.
I have been concerned that anybody might be inconvenienced by forestry planting too near their homes and I have been watching this situation and had discussions about it with officials in my Department. I welcome the opportunity being presented by Deputy Brennan to discuss the issue. While I do not accept that widespread inconvenience is being caused about that issue, I recognise that some concern has been expressed. Where such concern can arise, in practice it is taken into account locally by the forestry inspector in consultation with the developer and local interests, before a planting programme is recommended. It is, of course, increasingly appreciated by all developers that afforestation must be undertaken with minimum adverse consequences for the widest definition of the environment and indeed that such projects should enhance the environment.
This specific question of planting close to housing is one that has been examined in particular. It has long been recognised that trees close to buildings require special attention. Indeed, such trees are exempt from the restrictions on tree felling imposed as long ago as 1946.
I have taken account of the fact that plantations which are too close to houses can reasonably be seen as visually obstrusive and under certain circumstances they can be a hazard while also increasing occupants' sense of isolation. In order to ensure that forest development does not impose unreasonable burdens on occupants of such dwellings. I have decided that grant assistance for private forestry developments will not be available for planting within a distance of 30 metres from dwelling houses and asociated buildings. As with other environmental requirements, Coillte Teoranta will be expected to adhere to this policy in their planting programme.
While this is a general condition, each case is considered on its merits and there may be a case for limiting the planting further in specific cases. We already have instances where the planting line has been revised on the inspecting officer's advice to take account of community concerns.
The decision to disallow grants for planting within a distance of 30 metres from dwelling houses and associated buildings is a significant development and one which will reassure those with concerns about being isolated by trees. My concern here is with occupants of buildings and I would not expect that such restrictions would be required in the case of unoccupied buildings or roadways.
Before February 1990, planning permission under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts was not required for any forestry developments. The position has changed, however, and planning permission is now required for afforestation in excess of 200 hectares. This arises as a result of the transposition into Irish law of the EC Directive, 85/337/EEC, on Environmental Impact Assessment. This requirement will ensure that all major forestry developments will be subject to detailed scrutiny by the local planning authority who will, I am sure, take account of the proximity to housing.
While there are environmental concerns about afforestation which must be and are taken into account in promoting increased planting in this country, there are also many compelling environmental reasons for encouraging such development. There is, for instance, growing alarm internationally about the effects of tropical deforestation and the consequences of the greenhouse effect. The expansion of forests in Ireland can make its contribution to maintaining the total world area under forest and hence to counteracting the greenhouse effect.
I am very much aware that there is a need to maintain a balance in all forestry programmes so that the judicious development of forestry can make a positive contribution to the environment and to the provision of recreational facilities.
Approval of grant aid through which planting is encouraged in dependent, inter alia, on all reasonable steps being taken to avoid adverse effects on the environment. These steps include a prior assessment system for proposed forestry developments and monitoring of successful applications to ensure compliance with the approval given. Thus, any application for grant aid may only be approved subject to their meeting Forest Service standards as to their environmental compatibility, impact on historical and cultural heritage and the type and standard of silviculture and general workmanship.
Approval of grant aid may only be given within the limits imposed by EC and national legislation as well as the above considerations, prior to the commencement of work. For instance, schemes likely to have negative impacts on such features as boglands listed for conservation by the Wildlife Service as internationally or nationally important, areas of outstanding natural beauty, sites of recognised historical, cultural or natural value, including sensitive fisheries areas, will be identified as such and account taken of these concerns.
I would like, therefore, to assure the Deputy that I am aware of the matter which I understood he would raise here. I have taken action to avoid inconvenience to people by my decision to disallow grants for planting within 30 metres of dwellings and associated buildings. All cases are examined and dealt with on their merits and more stringent conditions and constraints may be imposed where necessary. I am confident that from now on complaints will be few, if any. I had hoped to hear some specific details of cases tonight. If Deputy Brennan gives me the details of the one case he mentioned where he considers the planting proposed is too close to a dwelling. I will be happy to examine it.
