Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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292. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason despite assurances from his Department that Coillte will respond directly to correspondence (details supplied) it has failed to do so, in the context of where the problem has been exacerbated and is a source of danger now; if he will use the State's shareholding to encourage Coillte to reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46377/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as responding to correspondence and the management of the forest estate, are the responsibility of the company.

The correspondence was, however, drawn to the attention of the company in early October at which time Coillte advised that its operations team was aware of the subject matter of the correspondence, namely an issue with drains on land adjoining Coillte land at Ballymacargy, Co. Westmeath, and that the company’s local Forest Operations Manager had arranged for the land to be surveyed on 6^thOctober 2014.

I note that Coillte responded to the Deputy’s correspondence by letter of 14^thOctober 2014, in which the company advised that the lands had been surveyed by the company’s engineer on 6^thOctober 2014 to investigate the drainage issue further with the letter then conveying his findings. I also note that Coillte advised that it will, as suggested by the Deputy, employ a contractor in order to remove the silt, fallen leaves and other debris and manage the maintenance works associated with cleaning the drain. I understand that Coillte has concerns, however, that these remedial works may not resolve the drainage issue for the private landowner but will only allow the over flow water to run off. The company advised that if the owner of the lands in question would like to discuss this further, Coillte are happy for him to contact the local team in the area.

I trust the Deputy received the response of 14^thOctober 2014. If not, I can arrange for a copy to be forwarded to the Deputy.