Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
496. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to implement the recommendations within the Review of Approval Processes for Afforestation in Ireland commissioned by his Department in 2019; when it will become fully operational; if a person has been identified or appointed to carry out the task of implementing the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10400/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMr. Jim Mackinnon, CBE was engaged by my colleague Minister of State, Andrew Doyle, TD in July 2019 to review the forestry licensing approval process. Mr. Mackinnon, a former Chief Planner with the Scottish Government, had completed a similar report for Scottish Forestry.
The review was informed by, among other things, discussions with a range of stakeholders including the forestry sector, farming organisations, the environmental pillar, State Bodies, Teagasc and the Forestry Appeals Committee. In addition, written submissions were received.
Mr. Mackinnon presented his final report to the Forestry Programme Implementation Group (FPIG) on 16 January, 2020 at which the Department also presented a draft implementation plan in response to the 'Ways Forward' recommended. The members of the FPIG were asked to provide their feedback on the draft implementation plan, which has been received by officials of my Department.
The finalisation of the Implementation Plan, in order to ensure the successful delivery of the 'Ways Forward" recommended, is currently under consideration.
