Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a forestry application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54936/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The application under the Afforestation Scheme for the above contract number was refused because of concerns that the development would cause sedimentation and pose a risk to the local drinking water supply. This decision was the subject of an appeal but the appeal was unsuccessful for the reasons set out in the original decision and in the absence of any measures to mitigate the impact on the water supply. An added factor is that the lands in question are within an area designated for the protection of the hen harrier where no applications for afforestation are being approved pending completion of ongoing discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.