Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
353. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be professional forester involvement in the small scale tree planting proposal as outlined by him in the Licensing Plan 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36961/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas through the vehicle of the Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022.
On 4th April 2022, the new legislation was signed into law by the president. This amendment was necessary to remove the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. It is my objective to increase and encourage interest in small scale planting and I am confident that this change to the Act will remove a barrier to such planting.
The exemption for the creation of up to one hectare of native woodland would be available through a scheme which my Department now intends to design and implement. The involvement of a professional forester is something that will be considered in the design phase. The development of the scheme will be undertaken following the completion of a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, subject to the findings of both assessments.
