Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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638. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if broadleaf trees are permitted to be planted in special areas of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4129/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In relation to forestry, for which my Department has responsibility, there is no general restriction on the planting of broadleaf woodlands within Special Areas of Conservation. However, the approval of my Department is required for all proposed afforestation projects, in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Forest Consent and Assessment) Regulations, 2010. When considering applications within designated areas such as SACs, my Department must also consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to ensure that proposals for projects within such designated areas do not adversely impact on the conservation objectives of the species designated for protection, before a decision on an application is given. Their recommendations may include the types of trees to be planted to ensure that the project is consistent with those objectives.