Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
446. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell 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. [38136/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA tree felling application for the person named was received in 2019 and a harvest plan has been provided. The application is currently with the Department’s Ecology Unit and is being dealt with and an Appropriate Assessment Report will be produced as soon as possible. When that is finalised, the application will be advertised on the Department’s website and opened for a 30-day public consultation period.
This new consultation period has been established recently, following new legislation, SI 293/2021, by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, when affects the way in which planning applications, including forestry licences are assessed. Once that period has elapsed, the ecologist will review any submissions received and will make an Appropriate Assessment Determination at which stage the file will be returned to the inspector for final decision.
