Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34637/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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To put the question, and my reply, in context, the correspondence provided by the Deputy relates to the proposed felling by Coillte of a coniferous forest at Townleyhall, Co. Louth. Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988. While the control of felling is a regulatory matter for my Department, once a felling licence has been granted, the felling operation is a day-to-day operational matter for the company and, as such, is the responsibility of the company.

As part of my Department's consideration of the application for the felling licence for the area in question, consultation was carried out with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Louth Co. Council and the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board. The application was also referred to my Department's Archaeologist and Forestry Environmental Inspector for consideration. I am satisfied, in relation to regulatory, environmental and silvicultural considerations, that it was in order to issue the felling licence. Indeed, because the site in question is prone to windthrow and wind snap risk, it was determined that the best management option was the removal of the coniferous forest.

While it is now an operational matter for Coillte, the concerns expressed in the correspondence were raised with Coillte. I understand that it is the company's intention to remove the conifer species and retain the hardwoods thus improving the amenity over time and that the works will not impact the existing designated walking trails. I am also advised that the company engaged in public consultation in relation to their proposals for the future management of this forest and that an Environmental Impact Assessment is carried out on harvesting sites and if any wildlife, etc., is noted, then mitigation action is taken. The company suggests that, if the correspondent is aware of the location of nests of any rare birds, he should pass this information onto the company directly. Coillte advise that the long term plan for this area is to extend the area of broadleaves and, as funds become available, to enhance the existing amenities.