Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 1182: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that the foliar analysis, upon which her Forest Service's approval of fertilisation of forestry is based, is sufficient to determine phosphorous deficiency in the soil. [29082/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Foliar analysis is the internationally recognised method to determine nutrient requirements, including phosphorous requirements, in forests. There are recognised levels for different tree species to indicate their nutrient requirements.

A site inspection also takes place to ensure that any nutrient deficiency identified by foliar analysis is not due to silvicultural or environmental factors.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 1183: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the maximum amount of phosphates fertilisers permitted to be applied per hectare for afforestation projects over their rotation. [29083/06]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 1186: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Forest Service has the ability to regulate hand fertilisation if it is outside the grant aid period to ensure the protection of the environment. [29086/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1183 and 1186 together.

The application of fertiliser in forestry is governed by the Code of Best Forest Practice, Forestry and Water Guidelines and Forestry and Aerial Fertilization Guidelines, all issued by the Forest Service of my Department. These Guidelines, which reflect scientific findings and international good practice, set out requirements for permanent fertilizer-free buffer strips adjacent to waterways, methods of application, fertiliser formulation, rates and times of application and other stipulations.

A forest rotation in Ireland is typically 35 to 45 years or longer. If phosphate fertiliser is required, it is typically applied at the time of initial afforestation at a rate of 250 kilogrammes of rock phosphate (14.5% Phosphorus) per hectare. Rock phosphate is a slow release fertiliser. On unenclosed land the maximum amount permitted at this time is 350 kilogrammes of rock phosphate per hectare. In a minority of cases one or more additional applications may be necessary during the rotation.

As regards 'hand fertilisation' or 'manual application', this is the typical method used in the early life of a forest before it closes canopy, i.e. before the crop is circa 10 years of age. This is well within the period for which premiums are paid by my Department. After the forest closes canopy, the only practical way to apply fertiliser is by air and this requires specific approval from my Department. In such cases, the maximum amount permitted is 350 kilogrammes of rock phosphate per hectare at a concentration of 11-16% Phosphorus.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 1184: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide an assurance that sufficient information is required to be provided in the application for all felling licences to ensure that the Forest Service is able to assess the impact on the environment; and if she will further provide the information required for each application. [29084/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The information required for felling licence applications is prescribed under legislation in accordance with the Forestry Act, 1946 (Part IV) Regulations, 1949 and is furnished by way of a Felling Application and Notice submitted by the landowner.

Part I of the Felling Notice contains particulars relating to the applicant and the land on which the trees stand together with a declaration of intention to replant and the extent of replanting to be undertaken.

Part II contains details of trees to be cut down including species, number and age of the trees together with an estimate of the value of the timber and reason for proposed cutting or uprooting.

Part III contains details of the trees proposed to be cut down or uprooted and claimed to be "exempted trees" as defined in Section 35(1) of the Forestry Act 1946.

In addition to the above, the application must also include a 6-inch Ordinance Survey map indicating the location of the plantation. A separate report may also be required detailing the felling and replanting operations it is proposed to undertake.

The follow up inspection procedures for approval of licence applications include an assessment of the environmental considerations for the sites in question. This can entail referral of the application to the various consultation bodies such as National Parks and Wildlife Service, Fisheries Boards and Local Authorities for their consideration and recommendations if applicable. Any recommendations made are taken into account by the Forest Service in their decision to grant or withhold a licence.

I believe that the combination of information supplied, subsequent examination and consultation provides a sound basis upon which to assess applications to fell. The appropriateness of the information provided is under continuous review.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 1185: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Forest Service has the ability to regulate forest road construction if it is not being approved for grant aid to ensure the protection of the environment. [29085/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I have no authority to regulate non-grant aided forest road construction on private property. Protection of the Environment in such a non-grant aid situation is a matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 1187: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the enforcement provisions she has to control unapproved plantations of trees; and the powers she has to require that the development be reversed and the owner be prosecuted. [29087/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 538/2001), which were introduced by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, my prior approval must be obtained for all afforestation projects, regardless of whether any application is made for grant aid.

A full review of forestry legislation is underway at present in my Department, and the question of providing direct powers in primary legislation for dealing with unapproved plantations, including comprehensive sanctions, is being closely examined.