The Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 was published earlier this year and deals with projected licensing output and approvals for support schemes.
A key target of the plan is to refocus on the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback). The scheme provides 100% grant aid to landowners to clear their ash crop, replant with an alternate species and manage their forest until successfully established. Many RUS applications are screened in for Appropriate Assessment and are referred to ecology. Of these, any that propose replacing the ash crop with conifer species currently require planning permission.
On 14th September last, the Secretary General of my Department committed to engaging with his counterpart on the matter. This direct engagement has taken place and the Department officials are continuing to engage with the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), to explore the possibility of removing the planning permission requirement for applications that require planning permission, subject to compliance with existing EU laws and regulations. There has been positive engagement, these deliberations are ongoing and any changes in planning process will require legislative amendment.
