Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2020
177. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter regarding forestry applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24427/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHaving previously conducted a similar exercise in Scotland, Mr. Jim Mackinnon, CBE, former Chief Planner with the Scottish Government, reviewed the forestry approval process and related issues in Ireland. The Review was published at the end of last year and presented to the Forestry Programme Implementation Group in January. Its implementation is one of the commitments which this Government made for forestry in the Programme for Government.
The report 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 at the time.
The report includes 22 Ways Forward or recommendations across a range of issues. I am pleased to say that many of these recommendations have already been taken on board by the Department and acted upon. We are, for instance in line with Mackinnon, introducing an amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act and have issued guidance on Natura Impact Statements. We have also introduced a single consent system for forestry road planning.
My Department has a history of continually developing and educating forestry professionals, which is an essential part of improving the quality of applications. This is borne out by the advice and guidance issued in forestry circulars and supporting documentation. Forestry professionals are also obliged to attend formal mandatory training sessions, usually held annually, however these are currently on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Department funds the Continuous Professional Development programme run by the Society of Irish Foresters and the Department keeps under continuous review the training needs of professional foresters.
I recognise, of course, that it is very important that the Mackinnon Review is fully implemented and that is why I am currently examining the appointment of an independent chair to oversee the process. The intention is that this person will report on the feasibility of implementing the Mackinnon recommendations for us to consider further. A review of the Forestry Programme Implementation Group is currently underway to enhance representation so that the membership of the Group is best selected to help advise the Minister and the Department on the implementation of the National Programme.
There is currently a huge amount of activity in forestry, especially on the reform of the planning and appeals processes and the introduction to the House shortly of a Bill to amend the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001. Nonetheless, I understand that implementation of the Mackinnon Review is also a priority and I expect to be making further announcements on this issue soon.
