Felling Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (850)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

850. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be issued on a felling licence application submitted in May 2018 by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in making a decision on this application despite assertions made by his predecessor that procedures were being put in place early in 2020 to process such applications; when these procedures will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16110/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The felling licence application for the person named is within the Maumturk Mountains SAC (code 002008) and upstream from Lough Corrib SAC (000297). Potential adverse impacts of the proposed clear fell operations on the Qualifying Interests of the SACs could not be ruled out and, therefore, it was determined that a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) was required.

A letter requesting the NIS and detailing the information required was issued to the person named and their forester on 21st May. The NIS is now awaited and my Department will process the tree felling licence application when this document is received.