Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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448. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a limit on afforestation within a particular area; if such limits should be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33086/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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While there are no specific limits on afforestation within a particular area, in some parts of the country silvicultural and/or environmental constraints will limit the suitability of the area for forestry. All applications submitted to my Department for approval to undertake afforestation are examined to determine the suitability of the site from a silvicultural and environmental perspective. The range of issues considered includes an examination of silvicultural issues such as soil type; soil fertility; exposure and access; and an assessment of any potential environmental impact of the project on, inter alia, the human population, water quality, designated conservation areas, archaeology and landscape.

My Department also has a legal responsibility to ensure that every hectare approved for afforestation complies with requirements set out under the various European environmental Directives such as the Birds and Habitats Directives, the EIA Directive and the Water Framework Directive, and with corresponding national legislation. This will ensure that the ongoing expansion of the national forest resource is compatible with the protection of Ireland’s environment. My Department is in regular communications with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and with other bodies, to ensure an ongoing streamlining of procedures to ensure the afforestation programme is compliant with the legislation outlined above.