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Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022

Tuesday, 24 May 2022

Ceisteanna (713)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

713. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the final recommendations of the external review of the forestry licensing system will be presented to the Forestry Policy Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25923/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Project Woodland was established by Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, over a year ago to improve the licensing system and deal with the backlog, and to drive forward the planting of trees under a shared vision for forestry in Ireland.

I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made.

Last November, as part of Project Woodland, the Department engaged the services of an external body with expertise in legal and environmental legislation to conduct a legal and regulatory review of forestry licensing. This external review is currently being finalised and following extensive ongoing stakeholder consultation, the publication of the Philip Lee and Associates Regulatory review is expected in the coming weeks.  

A status update on the draft report was included in a presentation made to the Forestry Policy Group on 6th April 2022, which is available on my Department's website.

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