Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with my colleague, Deputy Conway, in congratulating the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Hayes, as this is the first occasion he has introduced a Bill as Minister of State. The Bill is timely, given that this is the first Forestry Bill since 1954. I acknowledge the Minister of State's interest in this legislation.

The main aim of the Bill is to support the development of a modern forestry sector while taking note of good forest practice and required environmental protection. The legislation takes into consideration the progress that has been achieved in the sector in the 67 years since the first Forestry Bill was introduced. The current working regulations are nearly 70 years old with the result that an understaffed forestry service is unable to cope with administering the rising tide of applications from a rapidly maturing private forestry sector. The current regulatory regime, underpinned by the Forestry Act 1946, has been in place for over 60 years. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is of the view that a new Forestry Bill is now required to update existing legislative provisions and to introduce a regulatory framework that will support the development of a modern, multi­functional, sustainable and high quality forestry sector which enshrines the principles of sustainable forest management and the protection of the environment.

There have been some attempts over the past 15 years to update the legislation. It must be noted that there have been many technological, scientific and regulatory developments in the intervening period. Key among these has been the recognition that forests are a multi-functional resource with economic, social and environmental benefits.

Consultation with key stakeholders has recognised the need to ensure there is an appropriate balance between the various interests. I am satisfied that the new Bill will provide a more flexible system for regulating forestry activities, including felling licences and will better serve the interests of all stakeholders.

The Bill provides for the promotion and facilitation of the growth and sustainability of forests while having regard to the protection of this precious resource. The Bill's provisions include enhanced ministerial functions in areas such as the promotion, regulation and monitoring of forest operations. The Bill also provides for the protection of the environment when any forestry activity is being planned. It caters for forestry protection specifically relating to forest fires and it allows the Minister to require a landowner to remove vegetation from uncultivated land that poses a threat to an adjoining forest or to authorise persons to enter the land to remove the vegetation. It is crucial to develop forestry to a scale and in a manner which maximises its contribution to national economic and social well-being on a sustainable basis and which is compatible with the protection of the environment. It will be necessary to have a series of long-term strategic actions for a wide range of forestry activities to define how the overall strategy can be achieved on a sustainable basis and in a manner compatible with the protection of the environment.

There are 20,000 private forest-owners - of whom more than 17,000 are farmers - who have invested heavily over the past 30 years. The private forestry sector now accounts for nearly 50% of the national forest estate. The Government must continue to directly invest in the sector to ensure it realises its full potential. The national forest estate is now just over 730,000 ha or nearly 11% of the total land area. While this has expanded significantly since the early 1980s, it is still relatively low compared to our EU counterparts, given that nearly 40% of total land in the EU is under forest cover. Over 54% of the national forest estate is in public ownership, mainly through Coillte, with the remaining 46% in private ownership. This contrasts with the position 20 years ago when 70% was in public ownership with 30% in private ownership. This proves the extent of the private sector in growing and developing this industry. The intention of the new Forestry Bill is not to add to the administrative burden on landowners or other stakeholders in the sector, but to streamline and simplify the various processes. The systems put in place will be as user-friendly as possible and no unreasonable demands will be placed on anyone. The Minister of State, Deputy Tom Hayes, has also given assurances that there will be a period of consultation prior to the introduction of the legislation.

The introduction of this Bill has generated a renewed level of public debate on forestry. I drive from County Meath to Leinster House four days a week and I have been doing so for nearly three years. Today was the first day I noticed there is only one tree in D'Olier Street, even though I have been driving down that street for three years. The legislation has raised my awareness of forestry and trees. I also note a renewed public interest in our national asset. We all love the landscape of forests and it is good for our health to walk among trees.

The forestry sector is an important aspect of the economy and it has contributed more than €700 million. Exports of wood products in 2012 accounted for €303 million and the total employment in forestry is estimated at 12,000. The forestry sector is made up of growing, processing, harvesting and transporting forestry products. It generates considerable economic wealth. The sector benefits the wider economy and more so in rural areas. I welcome the announcement yesterday regarding better employment statistics. The Bill ensures the development of a forestry sector in a manner and to a scale that maximises its contribution to our national socioeconomic well-being with a sustainable basis compatible with the protection of the environment.

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