I propose to take Questions Nos. 860 and 861 together.
We are proposing to substantially increase our licence output in 2022 as outlined in the recently published Forestry Licensing Plan. The targets for 2022 are shown below and represent a year-on-year increase of 30%. The table below also shows licences issued to 18th February and that output is keeping pace with the overall target.
-
|
Total Annual Target
|
Licences Issued (18th Feb)
|
Afforestation
|
1,040
|
87
|
Forest Roads
|
850
|
100
|
Tree Felling
|
3,360
|
521
|
Total
|
5,250
|
708
|
We are committed to achieving our published targets for the year. On felling the output is a combination of Coillte and private licencing. Private felling licencing is at 94% of its target YTD and overall felling licencing is at 114% of its target YTD.
For afforestation it is an ambitious target for 2022 and we are reviewing resources to ensure that this target is met.
To achieve our afforestation targets, the forestry sector must also play its part in responding to further information requests in a timely manner and it is also important that the number of good quality new applications received by the Department is increased.