Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1373: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the activities licensed by the Forest Service since the introduction of S.I. No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Forestry Acts under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2119/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The European Communities (Natural Habitats) (Amendment) Regulations 2005, had the effect of making the Forestry Acts subject to the provisions of the Habitat Regulations. In relation to afforestation, all applications are assessed in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001. This includes screening for EIA.

Applications for a felling licence are made in accordance with a procedure laid down by the Forestry Act, 1946 (Part IV) Regulations, 1949. 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 its decision to grant or withhold a licence.

Aerial fertilisation of forests must now be carried out under licence. New Regulations were made in November 2006 to provide for a statutory licensing system for the aerial application of fertilisers to forests. The Regulations provide for consultation with prescribed bodies and prior assessment where appropriate.

The Forest Service of my Department continues to keep all of its activities under review to ensure compliance with the habitats legislation.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1374: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, not withstanding the new forestry environmental protection scheme, the Teagasc hedgerow initiative and the native woodland establishment scheme, the national forestry plan, Growing for the Future, seeks 20,000 hectares of planting a year until 2036, the largest land use change in Irish history, but it does not require a single native tree; and the reason this is the case. [2120/07]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1375: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to address the fact that the national target of 30% broadleaves is a potential threat to Ireland's biodiversity as trees from non-native sources are not necessarily adapted to conditions here and could inter-breed with Ireland's better adapted native stock and weaken its genetic base. [2121/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1374 and 1375 together.

I welcome the recognition of these major initiatives to enhance Ireland's environment and biodiversity. The policy on species in Growing for the Future is to increase the diversity of species in Irish forests. It includes a target for annual broadleaf afforestation of 20% of the total planted. This was subsequently increased to 30% in the National Biodiversity Plan published in 2002 and the target was achieved under the last Rural Development Programme. It remains an objective in the new Programme for 2007-2013.

The target of 30% broadleaves is not regarded as any threat to Ireland's biodiversity. On the contrary, it represents a major contribution to the creation of a more diverse rural environment and a richer biodiversity. The most common broadleaf species planted are oak, ash and alder, accounting for circa 90% of total broadleaf planting. These are all native species. Furthermore, over 80% of the broadleaves planted under the afforestation programme are now produced from native sources. The provenances of imported seed are carefully selected to ensure that the progeny can cope with Irish conditions. I do not accept that there is any threat to the genetic base of our native stock.