Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Following many phone calls and contacts, I am delighted to get the opportunity to raise this urgent matter with the Minister this evening. Many farmers, forestry contractors and sawmills operators are very concerned about the ongoing delays with tree felling applications. The capacity to fell trees if and when necessary is vital to farmers being able to maximise productivity and land use. There is serious concern among farmers, forestry contractors and landowners about the unacceptable delays in getting these felling licences. Many of the people affected have long-term investments and are frustrated by the ongoing delays. They cannot plan for the future because of the uncertainty.

As the Minister knows, the midlands region has already been badly hit with recent announcements of job losses in Bord na Móna. This time next year almost 2,000 jobs will be lost. I am calling on the Minister to act swiftly to ensure that this matter is brought to a head. We cannot be hit again with the loss of jobs in sawmills because obviously the farmers supply the raw material to the sawmills. They do not know if they will be able to keep on the same number of workers with the current delays. I ask the Minister to ensure that is dealt with as soon as possible. The midlands region would be hit again as well as many sawmills throughout the State.

How big is the backlog in felling licences applications and when will it be cleared? I understand that some of the delays in issuing these licences have been due to serial objectors. The legislation dealing with this matter needs to be changed. We cannot have serial objectors lodging objections, which are negatively impacting on farmers, contractors with significant investments, sawmills and local economies in rural communities. We need a mechanism to deal with that because we cannot jeopardise employment in rural counties.

I understand that there was some engagement last week between the stakeholders and the Department. What was the outcome of that? I also understand that the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle, commissioned a review on the matter. What was the outcome of that review? Has any plan been drawn up as a result of it? I again appeal to the Minister to ensure that every action possible is taken to clear the backlog which will have a detrimental effect on rural communities and the rural economy.

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