Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I have previously indicated, there is already an established framework under the European Communities (Forest Consent and Assessment) Regulations 2010, whereby prior to any approval being issued, my Department must determine whether an initial afforestation project is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the environment and complete a screening to determine whether an environmental impact statement is required. As part of this process, my Department regularly consults other agencies, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland, local authorities and An Taisce. Provision is also made for the general public to make submissions on the likely environmental effects of any such projects. These environmental impact assessment procedures are complemented by the appropriate assessment procedure operated by the Department under the birds and habitats regulation, whereby all forestry projects which require a licence are evaluated to determine whether there is a possibility that the project might have a significant effect on the conservation objectives and the qualifying interests of the Natura 2000 sites. If it is determined that there is a possibility of a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site, the applicant must submit a Natura impact statement to my Department before a decision is made on whether to issue a licence or approval. I remain of the view that the protection of the environment is already sufficiently addressed by this Bill and other legislation. I do not propose to accept this amendment. I remind the Deputy, in response to his point about making provision for concerned citizens to petition the Minister, that provision is already made in existing forestry legislation for concerned citizens to participate in the decision-making process with regard to forestry. Amendment No. 61a, in my name, will empower the Minister to make regulations to introduce further measures to improve public participation in the process.

See this speech in context