Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
408. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department will publish a review of their forestry licensing plan of 2022; and when it will publish a licensing plan for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63124/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department published the Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 in February this year. The plan informed stakeholders of our targets for the delivery of afforestation, felling and forest road licences, and of our commitment to reducing the backlog. It represented a year-on-year increase of 30% on 2021, with a target of 5,250 licences.
To 9th December 2022, we have issued 4,543 licences which is 92% of our expected output at this point in the year. The backlog in licences overall has reduced from 6,000 in August 2021, to 3,700 in January of this year and now stands at 2,041. We are issuing more licences than applications received, and this means that the backlog continues to drop over time, with faster turnaround times for new applicants.
I see great merit in signalling to forest owners, landowners, and the forest sector our intentions at the beginning of the year which is why I intend to publish a new Forestry Licensing Plan early in 2023, once the new Forestry Programme has been approved at national and EU levels.
