Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department has long-established procedures in place for taking into consideration the level of forest cover adjacent to domestic dwellings. Set-back distances are most critical when a building is surrounded by forests. In the general afforestation scheme, provisions are made for tree planting adjacent to buildings through the scheme requirements. For example, our existing requirements in our afforestation scheme state that the set-back distance from dwelling houses and associated buildings is 60 m, or 30 m where written consent of the owner is granted prior to approval, and must be observed. At a minimum, the requirements of the afforestation scheme will also be applied to any scheme to support the small-scale planting of native trees. These requirements will be detailed in the terms and conditions of the scheme and it is not necessary to include them in primary legislation. In addition to set-back distances from domestic dwellings, there may be other conditions we will need to include in the terms and conditions of the scheme to protect environmental features. These will be included in any new scheme as it is developed.

I assure Senators that as part of the design of the scheme, my Department will undertake an SEA in which the public will be able to participate to ensure there is transparency in the decision-making process throughout the SEA process. Following the completion of the SEA and subject to its findings, the Department will finalise a design of the scheme and associated qualifying criteria. This may result in the introduction of additional measures with regard to the level of forest cover adjacent to domestic dwellings, including other environmental features. All necessary best practice with regard to planting adjacent to domestic dwellings will be included in the terms and conditions of any new scheme that is designed.