Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
641. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action being taken to address backlogs in the forestry licensing and appeals system; if his attention has been drawn to claims that the delays are endangering the forestry industry and endangering timber supplies and up to 12,000 jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17982/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe commencement of the Forestry Act, 2014 in May, 2017 brought about significant changes in the consent process for forestry operations. The Act makes provision for third-party submissions and establishes the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC).
The current licensing difficulties are as a result of the changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP). These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the FAC and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. All licence applications are subject to a statutory public notification system.
I am acutely aware that delays in issuing licences have led to difficulties for some in the sector, although of course not all licences are used immediately. Felling licences are now valid for up to 10 years and may cover several felling events, such as thinning then clear felling on the same plot. Landowners considering future operations, have the opportunity of applying for a tree felling licence well in advance of any operations taking place. Afforestation licences are valid for three years and some applications are speculative in nature, which is borne out by an average conversion (to planted land) of 63% over the last four years.
My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. I accept the current changes to procedures are very significant and they have been challenging to implement such is the scope and breadth of them, which has unfortunately meant that the current backlog has arisen. It has taken substantial resources and effort to introduce a robust and workable system, which meets the legislative requirements, and I believe we now have that in place. Our licensing decisions are being confirmed at the Forestry Appeals Committee, which gives confidence in these revised procedures.
My Department has a detailed project plan in place for dealing with the current backlog and new applications, which includes significant investment in extra resources required to deliver the plan. These resources are a combination of additional ecologists, forestry inspectors and administrative staff where required.
The project plan is a targeted, process-driven approach which prioritise files in a manner which will result in an increased number of licences being issued in the short-term and will deliver a return to expected timelines in the longer term. Applicants who have or are prepared to submit a Natura Impact Statement, where appropriate, will be prioritised.
A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, will oversee and monitor delivery. There will be a continuous review of the process, in order to effect efficiencies. A communication plan to keep stakeholders fully and regularly informed of progress, with a dedicated central resource to deal with queries, is a key element of the project. While much of the success of the project plan lies with my Department, stakeholders also need to engage with it. This will require a commitment from forestry companies to submit applications that will result in tree planting, that are of the required standard and quality, and to submit NISs in accordance with the guidance provided.
I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.
