Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2021
263. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will implement to reduce the delays in processing and approving tree felling and tree planting licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23590/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has deployed significant additional resources to address delays in forestry licencing.
To 30th April, 1,047 new forestry licences have issued this year, which is 11% up on the total number issued to end April, 2020. Across all licence types, improvements in delivery of decisions can be seen compared to the same time last year. Felling licences are up 3% in number issued and 31% for the volume of timber. To date in 2021, my Department has issued felling licences for 2 million cubic metres, which is 40% of the total volume issued last year. To date, 93km of forest roads have been licensed, which is 75% of the commitment given to license 125km of forest roads this year. Finally, the area of afforestation licensed is up by 12% to date at 1,862ha.
In addition, my colleague, Minister of State Pippa Hackett who has responsibility for forestry, has established Project Woodland, to work with stakeholders to examine all aspects of forestry, including a review of processes with a view to reducing the licencing backlog.
I remain hopeful that the framework now in place under Project Woodland will address our current difficulties and will result in a licensing system which meets the needs of forest owners and new applicants.
