Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the planning required to plant a forestry plantation on a green field site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17141/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The criteria for planting are based on the Forestry Schemes Manual, a comprehensive suite of environmental guidelines including fisheries, landscape, archaeology, biodiversity, harvesting and forest protection, and the Code of Best Forest Practice (all available on the Department's website). The criteria vary from site to site and each application is examined by the Forest Service for environmental and silvicultural suitability. The initial assessment of a site takes place by a registered forester who is listed on the Forest Service Register of Foresters and Forestry Companies.

Proposed sites in environmentally sensitive areas are advertised in the local paper and referral letters are sent the relevant competent authority and An Taisce. All public consultation notices are advertised in the relevant local newspaper and placed on the Department's website under the heading of 'Proposals for Afforestation in Environmentally Sensitive Areas'. All other notifications for sites over 2.5 hectares are placed on the Department's website.