Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2019
519. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the grant aid available to landowners of forestry which is landlocked and which needs new road access in order to undergo thinning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52818/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Forest Roads Scheme is a voluntary Scheme under the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 and is available to forest owners and provides opportunities to improve access to forests to facilitate forest management and the harvesting of timber. The rate payable is €45 per metre.
The objectives of the scheme are to:
- Stimulate the mobilisation of roundwood from forests and thereby contribute to employment and economic activity;
- Provide funding for the construction of forest roads and associated infrastructure such as bell-mouths, turn-tables, drains, culverts and bridges.
Applications for the Forest Roads Scheme must be made through a Registered Forester. Agreement of neighbouring land owners may be required, where there is a question of access, or right of way, but this is an issue for the applicant. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the possible impact on the surrounding environment and applications are open to public consultation.
