Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
442. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the forestry licensing plan for the remainder of 2023 and 2024, given the new forestry programme received approval several weeks ago and his Department has had more than nine months to have a plan ready; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46705/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has received final approval of the new Forestry Programme 2023 -2027, including State Aid approval from the European Commission and the conclusion of the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment processes.
The Programme has now been approved by Government, and both the afforestation and forest roads schemes are open to applications. My Department has begun to issue afforestation and roads licences under the new Programme, while felling licences continued and continue to issue as normal.
The issuing of licences is demand-led, and the level of demand is indicated by the number of licence applications made. Given we are now in a position to issue all licences, we will shortly publish a new Forestry Licensing Plan. Training of staff and foresters is taking place and full guidance for each of the schemes is being published.
