Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022
738. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of afforestation licences that have been received by his Department that remain to be processed; the length of time that each application has been with his Department in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47885/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department makes available various forestry statistics on its website, particularly the Forestry Divisional Monthly Reports, which may be found here gov.ie - gov.ie - Forestry Division Monthly Reports (www.gov.ie).
Afforestation is a permanent land use change and therefore my Department is required by law to consider potential impacts on the surrounding areas and countryside.
These include issues related to habitat change, and other ecological impacts which must be considered in the process. In addition, afforestation files are often accompanied by numerous submissions from third parties.
The table below shows the applications received for Afforestation that remain to be processed and the length of time each has been with my Department.
|
Licences Outstanding: |
<= 120 Days |
=121 days-6 mths |
7-12 months |
>=13 months |
Total |
|
Total Number of Licences Awaiting Approval |
103 |
50 |
73 |
234 |
460 |
