Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
2516. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a felling licence for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19645/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for a tree felling licence was received in October 2020 for the person named and has been referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit. The application site is near three designated sites including the Galtee Mountains SAC. 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 applicants wishes, they may provide a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The NIS must be prepared by a suitably qualified person. An 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.
