Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 1391: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent of clear felling undertaken by Coillte; if the amenity value of forests are taken into account before decisions regarding such clear felling are taken; if there are regulations in place to this effect; and the other regulations in place to ensure that forests are managed sustainably. [2423/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A total of approximately 8,500 hectares was clear-felled by Coillte Teoranta in 2006. All clear-felling of afforested areas by Coillte and others is subject to the licensing conditions as laid down under the Forestry Act 1946. Licences are issued following detailed inspection and approval of the proposed clear felling sites by the Forest Service Inspectorate and following consultation with the relevant local authorities, who have a particular role where amenity is concerned. If deemed necessary, on environmental grounds, wider consultations may also be undertaken with other relevant bodies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Fisheries Boards.

All forestry operations are undertaken in accordance with the principles of Sustainable Forest Management. Where any area of forest is being felled, a mandatory replanting obligation applies in all but the most exceptional cases. This is to ensure that the national forest estate is maintained and that the many economic, environmental and public goods which our forests provide are sustained for future generations. The conditions of all felling licences require that the felling and replanting operations must be carried out in accordance with the Forest Service Code of Best Forest Practice and must also comply with the Forest Service guidelines relating to Archaeology, Water Quality, Landscape, Harvesting and the Environment. Felling, along with other forestry activities is also subject to the Habitats Regulations. It should also be noted that Coillte have received Forest Stewardship Council certification in recognition of their commitment to sustainable forest management.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 1392: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent of clear felling in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains each year for the past ten years. [2424/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The following is a breakdown in hectares of clear-felling in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains each year for the past ten years:

It should be noted that, other than in the most exceptional cases, any area clear-felled must be reforested by the owner.