Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the changes she proposes to make in forestry policy in order to address such issues as have been raised with her by spokespersons on behalf of the communities in the catchment areas of both Lough Corrib and Lough Carra in County Galway, as to the environmental impact of existing forestry policy and practice to these lakes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21652/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A delegation from the Carra, Mask and Corrib water protection group met on 24 November 2004 with the responsible Ministers, including myself and the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Following the meeting, arrangements were put in place for officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, my Department and Coillte Teoranta to meet with the local group to discuss their concerns and proposals in more detail. Contact continues between the group and Coillte Teoranta regarding forestry practices in the area.

I am advised that forestry comprises only a small percentage of the land area in the catchment of Lough Corrib and Lough Carra and there is no scientific evidence available which suggests that forestry policy and practices have a significant environmental impact on these important lakes. However, a full review of the relationship between the afforestation and water quality generally has commenced under the auspices of one managing authority for the western river basin district and my Department, is closely involved in this review.

Forestry is already a very regulated sector. All forestry operations in Ireland must be carried out in full compliance with the code of best forest practice and a suite of environmental and forestry practice guidelines, which include forestry and water quality and forest harvesting. The code and guidelines outline best practices and procedures to mitigate against any potential negative effects of forestry operations on water quality and the environment.

In addition, further regulation is provided through SI 538 of 2001, which introduced a statutory consent system with regard to initial afforestation. As part of the standard grant application process, appropriate proposed afforestation sites are assessed vis-À-vis water quality, designated habitats, archaeology, landscape and other environmental conditions, and are referred to the relevant prescribed body according to an agreed protocol. These bodies include regional fisheries boards, local authorities, the national parks and wildlife service, national monuments and An Taisce. The regulations also provide for public consultation through notice of the proposed afforestation printed in local press and submissions or observations invited.