Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to be here today to support my colleague, the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, as she introduces this forestry Bill to the House. I echo her words of gratitude to the Opposition for working with us in recognition of the urgency of the legislation for the forestry sector and to work with us in ensuring the Bill could be accommodated in the Seanad last week and in the Dáil this week. We do not take that co-operation lightly and are very appreciative of it.

Before turning to the Bill itself, I would like to say something about the forestry sector and our plans for its expansion. I do not have to tell the House that we have ambitious plans, that can be seen in the programme for Government. We want to expand afforestation beyond the current level of 11%, to deliver on the target of 8,000 ha per year. In doing so, we want to plant diverse and resilient forests. These will include all types of forestry - productive, mixed, native woodlands and recreational forests. We want to promote sustainable forest management. We want to grow healthy forests which will sustain our timber industry, an industry which supports many jobs in our rural communities. Equally we want healthy and expanding forests to contribute to our climate change, biodiversity, and societal goals.

Forestry is an integral part of our response to the climate change challenge as recognised in the 2019 climate action plan, which is currently under revision. It also has a role to play in contributing to halting the loss of biodiversity, as outlined in the national biodiversity plan. It is all about having a forestry system which contributes to our aims as a society. After all, forests and woodlands are multifunctional. Productive forests produce an economic good, which those who have invested land in forestry over many years depend upon. These forests provide jobs for those who plant, who harvest and who work in sawmills. Then there are the pallets, building materials and other wood-based products produced at the end of the process, which we all use and need.

Forests also occupy wonderful community and recreational spaces in many parts of the country. My Department’s NeighbourWood scheme has brought communities together to revitalise and plant woodlands, solely for recreational use. These are collaborative efforts which promote a healthy enjoyment of the outdoors, for all age groups. This is something which has taken on even more importance during these times. I am sure everyone agrees that a stroll through our nearby woodland is good for both the heart and the soul.

Our native woodlands are also a source of pride and I am more than pleased that the area being planted with our native species is on the rise. These are biodiversity hotspots and as part of the Host a Hive initiative align with the national pollinator plan.

Farm forestry is something that I am keen to see more of, as trees in a farmland setting can deliver many benefits. Shelterbelts can provide shelter for animals and from wind. When sensitively planted near rivers, they can prevent erosion and flooding. They can contribute to water quality and to our Water Framework Directive obligations. Trees planted in the right place can also provide connectivity corridors for wildlife.

I am acutely aware that we must promote forests that respond to the evolving needs of our society. This will be the aim of the new forestry programme and strategy. The strategy will be a shared endeavour requiring action from public bodies, landowners, foresters, communities and businesses.

Before we get to that point, however, we need a properly functioning licensing and appeals system. Every tree planted, every tree felled and every forest road built must have a licence. As all in the House know, these licences are not available because of delays in the licensing and appeals system. This situation is unsustainable and no encouragement to anyone who wishes to plant. In fact, because of these delays, the very future of the sector is at risk, with jobs in sawmills up and down the country under pressure as a result. That is why the Bill is so important and urgently needed.

My Department is beginning to address the delays in issuing licences, but good progress being made is being hampered by long delays in dealing with appeals. This serves neither the landowner nor the appellant. Each has a right to a timely decision from the forestry appeals committee.

I fully support the changes proposed in the Bill. They are suitable to the task at hand, that of improving the functioning of the appeals system. A committee that can sit in divisions, ensure that relevant information is provided when an appeal is lodged and charge a reasonable fee are all sound provisions.

The independence of the committee in dealing with individual cases is fully protected in this Bill, as is the right of any party to appeal directly to the committee. While I welcome the option I have of prioritising certain classes of appeal, it is not something that I would take lightly. To be clear, I may direct the committee to hear certain classes of appeal, but I may not interfere in an individual appeal in any way.

The importance of this issue has been more than demonstrated by the level of response to the public consultation. People wish to see the system fixed quickly. We can move closer to that aim by bringing the Bill to a conclusion.

I look forward to the Bill being considered in more detail in the House today and tomorrow, as was the case in the Seanad. I commend the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, on her sterling work in introducing the Bill and, importantly, working with departmental officials on making a strong effort to get the Bill processed in a prompt fashion, with the co-operation of the Houses.

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