Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2021

Thursday, 14 October 2021

Ceisteanna (228)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

228. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to the most recent Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, if the Secretary General of his Department followed through on their commitment to discuss the issue of the requirement for planning permission on dead and dying ash crops as outlined in circular 5/2021 with their counterpart in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage specifically as to whether the Act took into consideration the fact that many ash crops are either dead, dying or rotting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50270/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Currently planning permission from the relevant Local Authority is required in many cases when 'replacing broadleaf high forest with conifer species'. This has introduced further difficulties for landowners wishing to clear their diseased ash plantations and replace them with other species.

Contact has been made between Department officials and their counterparts in Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage on this issue as outlined at the meeting with the Oireachtas Committee. We are exploring potential alternatives to the current system that requires both planning permission and a felling licence (or exemption from a felling licence).

My Department will update in due course on developments.