Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that the Government takes very seriously the need to make sure that all trees planted are contributing to the shared national vision for trees and forests, while delivering public good for the benefit of all people across the country. I wish to assure the Deputy that there is a robust and comprehensive assessment and public consultation process in place to ensure that all relevant information is taken into account before permission to plant a forest is granted.

I fully agree with Deputy Dillon on the need to encourage farmers to enter this process. Believe it or not, the part of south Dublin in which was the location of one of the first afforestation programmes undertaken by the Irish Free State. For the last century, what was done in the area has benefited the community massively in terms of tourism, farming, wood production and the sheer beauty of the land. However, forests have to be planted, developed and maintained in consultation with local communities; it does not matter whether they are being planted in Ticknock or Craggagh.

I will absolutely take the concerns of Deputy Dillon to the Minister of State, Deputy Hackett. No doubt he can speak to her directly in due course. She will be more than amenable to meeting him or a deputation from Craggagh to discuss this further, where appropriate.

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