I propose to take Questions Nos. 1231 to 1239, inclusive, together.
The Deputy refers to Parliamentary Question number 941 of 19th October, 2021, in which I gave a breakdown of the 420 tree felling licence applications, that were referred to Ecology, where further information by way of a harvest plan or amended harvest plan was required from the applicant. This followed a large triage exercise undertaken by my Department of licences on hand for processing. This exercise has allowed us to significantly increase our output of forestry licences with over 750 private sector felling licences issued since the 1st June. However, approximately half of the requests for further information from applicants and their foresters remain unanswered and cannot be processed until they are submitted.
At the time these applications were submitted, in general, they were not considered sub-standard. This is why the applications were not returned close to the time the applications were received. However, my Department has had to change the way in which forestry licence applications are assessed, following certain Court of Justice of the European Union and High Court decisions. The Deputy may be aware that this significant change in procedure led to delays and a need to re-train foresters, provide new guidance on applications and to the recruitment of a large cohort of ecologists.
Registered Foresters have been advised of the additional information that is likely to be required to process applications for felling , roads and afforestation in Circular 08/2021, which is also available on my Department’s website. Applicants in consultation with their Registered Forester should review this circular in relation to applications in the system and future applications.
In relation to felling licence application the position is that the provision of a harvest plan at application stage is not a legal requirement. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to include them with their licence application. Where not provided at application stage, the Department often subsequently requires a harvest plan or other information about the felling so that the Department can satisfy itself that the project will not have an adverse effect on the environment.
In June 2019 a Template Harvest Plan was developed for the sector and Circular 11 of 2019 encouraged its use. DAFM Circular 18 of 2020 confirms that for sites that are screened in for Appropriate Assessment, a well-developed Harvest Plan (or equivalent) is essential, as it is likely to inform part or all of the site level mitigation associated with the appropriate assessment. Requests for this information, for tree felling licence applications referred to ecology, were sent on all these cases at the end of June 2021. My Department will shortly send out reminders to those who have not yet provided the information sought.
Since mid-2019, there has been a dramatic increase in the percentage and overall number of applications screened in for appropriate assessment and as a consequence more information is generally required off the applicant in these cases. If this has not been provided the Department must, as the competent licensing authority, seek such information before making a decision on the licence.
I am satisfied that the information provided in evidence by officials in attendance at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine in August 2021, was fully accurate and reflected the position at that time.
