Seán Sherlock
Ceist:944. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a felling licence will be issued to a person (details supplied). [5486/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 3 February 2021
Ceisteanna (944)
Freagraí scríofa
An application for a tree felling licence for the person named was received in July 2019 and has been referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit. The application site is near six designated sites, including the Ballyhoura Mountains and the Lower River Suir SACs. Therefore, the impact of any felling operations on the sites and the surrounding area, must be carefully considered before deciding on the licence application.
If the applicant wishes, and at their own expense, they may provide a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The NIS must be prepared by a suitably qualified person. A NIS can considerably reduce the time taken to assess the application, as once received, the NIS will be examined by an ecologist within two to three months and a decision will issue once the assessment of the application is complete.