Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The people involved in the forestry industry have raised the issue of the AA. They are concerned that the protocols and rules being designed for the new AA would be fit for purpose and compatible with appropriate and efficient regulation of the sector. There is the objective that it is done in an environmentally appropriate way but also that it complies with regulations. I am sad to see that once again we have issues around environmental obligations placed on the State arising out of the habitats directive. It has been the undoing of many of the planning permits granted for a road or a bridge and now there are problems in respect of forestry.

I would like to maintain my position. I do not feel that the system there at the moment for communities, adjoining landowners and the industry is fit and proper for purpose. The approach needs to be better integrated with the planning system operated by the local authorities because this is all to do with land use and getting the balance right. Even though there are some references to the planning authorities in the forestry regulations it is a box ticking exercise. It is not robust enough to put in place the ambitious plans we have for forestry and to do that fairly.