Robert Troy
Ceist:504. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a forestry application and appeal by a person (details supplied). [50572/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 November 2017
Ceisteanna (504)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department received a General Felling Licence application on 5th February 2016, for 2.14ha of forestry, from the person named.
Upon examination of the application it was ascertained that the applicant did not wish to replant the land, which is a condition of all General Felling Licences. Where it was not intended to replant the actual parcel of land the subject of the felling licence, a Limited Felling Licence application was the appropriate form to submit. However, the forest owner would still have been obliged to replant an equivalent area.
The applicant was advised in writing on 16th June 2016 that the application for a General Felling Licence would not be granted as he did not wish to replant the felled area. He was also informed that should he wish to proceed with the proposed felling, it was more appropriate to apply for a Limited Felling Licence and an alternative area to be replanted in lieu of that to be felled should be proposed in the application. The application forms for a Limited Felling Licence were included with the letter.
My Department did not receive any application for a Limited Felling Licence, nor did they receive an appeal. The General Felling Licence application is closed.
Since this original application, the Forestry Act 2014 was commenced. Therefore, if the applicant wishes to fell the trees in question, an application for a Tree Felling Licence must be made. However, it must be reiterated that the land which is the subject of the felling licence application or an equivalent area will still require to be replanted under the 2014 Act.