Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that Deputy Feighan has worn a path to Agriculture House on behalf of the constituents of Sligo-Leitrim and that he has worked diligently in highlighting the concerns he has on the ground following on from the recent storms. We are taking all possible steps to facilitate appropriate responses to allow forest owners to clear blown trees in a safe and sustainable manner. In this context I thank the Deputy for his Topical Issue matter, which is appropriate. I appreciate this opportunity to provide an overview on the current situation regarding the setback of trees from power lines and to elaborate on my Department’s response to Storm Éowyn.

First, let me highlight the legislative powers in relation to power lines, which reside under section 98 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, as amended by section 45 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. These allow the ESB and its representatives, taking due care and attention to avoid unnecessary damage, to lop or cut any trees, shrubs or hedges which obstruct or interfere with laying or maintenance of electrical wires. Such works are a matter between the ESB and anyone acting on their behalf, and the landowners in question, and do not require a felling licence from my Department. There are no express provisions in the Forestry Act 2014 or in forestry regulations governing the interaction between ESB power lines and afforestation.

There are, however, long-standing forest design requirements in place to protect the electricity network where it interacts with forestry land, at different scales of supply, and the protection of utilities is considered and applied during afforestation approval processes. Section 7 of the Forestry Standards Manual provides guidance on how to deal with ESB lines interacting with grant-aided forest areas. This guidance was based on an agreement between the ESB and the IFA, which defined corridor widths by power line type and other requirements regarding access. These requirements are outlined in the Forestry Standards Manual.

One of the actions for my Department in the programme for Government is to work together with the ESB to support and accelerate the timber and vegetation clearance programme and I am fully committed to this process. Contact has already been made with the ESB and we will aim to facilitate any mitigations or actions proposed by them in relation to the interaction of power lines and forestry. In this connection I held a meeting of the forestry wind-blow task force, which comprises key stakeholders including the IFA, Irish Forest Owners, IFO, and Coillte. The aim of the task force is to co-ordinate the response to the storms, with particular emphasis on dealing safely with the large areas of forest that have been blown down. The question of the interaction of forestry with power lines will also be considered in this forum.

In terms of our immediate response to the storm damage, my Department has started a process along with Coillte, using satellite imagery, which will be able to provide information nationally and at forest level. This assessment of damage nationally using satellite imagery will aid in determining the extent of damage and will provide a map indicating where in each forest damage from the recent storms has occurred. This deals directly with an issue that was raised by the Deputy. This information will help to inform any next steps. We have already decided to prioritise both felling and road licence applications that are required in storm-affected areas. We have to ensure the licences that will be issued are robust and free from any challenge. My Department has also issued guidance for forest owners with wind blow who are advised not to rush into decisions but to make a step-by-step plan to minimise risk and maximise the salvage value of their plantation.

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