Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have noted all Senator Mulherin's comments, particularly her additional ones, and I will convey those to the Minister and the Minister of State. Additional measures have been put in place, with additional staff and resources to deal with the issuing of licences, felling of trees and forest road construction. Forestry road payments are up 35% on last with 87.4 km built to date as opposed to 64.6 km in the same period in 2018.There have been improvements in this area. I note the Senator's concern for those who have experienced delays, particularly the contractors and farmers. Forestry is a popular type of farming in many areas, especially in the west, as I am sure the Senator knows. I assure her that the Department and its officials are actively working towards alleviating the current temporary disruption. It is important that the Department monitors this in the coming months to see whether we are getting the results needed, particularly in improving the licensing system. This is for the benefit of all stakeholders. We know how important that income is for farmers and so we must get that work done as quickly as possible, especially given the current environmental challenges in the industry, which the Senator noted.