Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022
879. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the environmental report grant as set out in circular 13/2022, if the “report from an external ecologist” must be an NIS or does a habitat survey or ecology survey qualify for the environmental report grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51814/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that the Environmental Report Grant was introduced by my Department in response to a recommendation of the Mackinnon report (confirmed by the O'Hara report) and following consultations with stakeholders and the Project Woodland Board.
The aim is to increase the quality of afforestation applications in particular as they address environmental aspects, to increase the throughput of applications by DAFM and to ensure applicants and their agents are reasonably reimbursed for the additional costs associated with the required standard and scope of environmental reports.
An environment grant is now paid at form 2 stage if a report from an external ecologist or external archaeologist is submitted and on file.
Those reports that are required for afforestation in addition to the current mandatory application requirements include:
- A pre-screening report
- A Habitat description and map
- An ecology report covering non-Appropriate Assessment ecology requirements
- A Natura Impact Statement.
Other reports, such as bird surveys, archaeology reports and environmental Impact Assessment Reports are occasionally required, but the four above are the most common required by DAFM, in## line with EU & National Regulations.
I can also confirm to the Deputy that a habitat or ecology survey are covered by the grant.
