Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief because we are running out of time and many members have indicated that they wish to speak. There are three matters. In terms of the ecology, I will stick to the points in the statement from our guests. I welcome them and thank them for their work, particularly their presentation. My questions will be on that, rather than broad-stroke questions. Mr. Hayes referred to investing heavily in ecology resources, training and, more recently, streamlining the procedures in order to address the backlog in ecology. That is the subject of one question. If Mr. Hayes cannot do so today in detail, he might supply the committee with a summary of what is meant by that. How has the Department increased streamlining the procedures? Clearly, there are problems and they have to be streamlined.

Second, I am interested in the individual working groups. The presentation refers to working group 1, pre-application discussion and a planning grant system. That is very positive and important. I am familiar with pre-planning in other planning structures and perhaps there is room for developing a pre-planning system, or screening or assistance. We do not want a situation where people go so far and then some of the stuff is sent back. It prolongs things. Pre-planning discussion and a format for that are very positive.

I share the concerns of others that the goals in terms of climate action are disappointing. The goals for replanting are disappointing. Other speakers have asked why small farmers are disengaging. It is because of the bureaucracy. I can speak about people who have bought land or have an option to purchase land for forestry, but the process goes on for too long so they walk away from it. They just give up. They do not feel the system is with them and is supporting them. They are not inclined to hang around, so they decide it is not for them and they move on. Clearly, that is not in anybody's interest.

Finally, the presentation refers to the planting of native woodland in Bord na Móna bogs. That is an exciting project. I would like to know more about it, as I am sure the committee would. Rather than take time now, I ask the witness to send the committee more details about that. Hopefully, when the Covid-19 pandemic passes, the committee might take the opportunity to visit some of these projects. That would be important. I thank the witnesses for submitting the paper and for answering the questions so far.