Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill.

The appeals of forestry licences have been allowed to stifle an industry. We have had a lengthy discussion on afforestation and the need for forestry etc. but serial objectors have brought this industry to its knees. As a society, we must look at the damage that has been done to the forestry industry. We must look at the challenges within the forestry industry.

This Bill is the first step in making sure that many issues that had been allowed to develop over the years are ironed out. This is the first step on it and there are many more steps to be taken.

We must look at the experience of this industry. It has been stifled and brought to its knees, as I stated earlier.

We also must look at serial objectors in relation to other planning issues right across the country. We must be bold. We must say enough is enough and that they should not have the authority to do this. We must look meaningfully at how our planning laws are interpreted and practised because the challenges that are out there are grave.

This Bill is to be welcomed, but we must look at forestry in the round. We must look at the new issues - the issues that have been discussed. I hope to discuss it later tonight on Committee Stage.

There are many issues in forestry. We have brought it to its knees. Many people who have considerable skin in the game have been tied up. It is necessary that we move forward with this legislation as a matter of urgency and more to follow to ensure that we have a proper functioning industry.

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