Afforestation Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2012

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Ceisteanna (240)

James Bannon

Ceist:

239 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans in place to allay legitimate concerns (details supplied) about the effects of a proposed forest surrounding a property; the effect on the environment and on a landscape amenity in view of the fact that this is within a NHA-SAC area, contains mass rock and an archaeological site — stone wall adjoins monument — is also within a prime scenic area and a forest would obstruct the view of Saints Island, church and lake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8663/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The application in question is currently being examined by my Department to determine its suitability for afforestation and to ensure that the development is compatible with the protection of the environment. Because of its location adjacent to a designated conservation area, consultations have taken place with a number of public agencies, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service. As a consequence of these consultations, the applicant has been requested to supply further information to enable an assessment to be completed of the potential impacts of this proposed development on the designated areas. No decision on this application will be taken pending receipt of this information and completion of the necessary assessment.