Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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456. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the effects on landscape and tourism, if he will investigate if a sign for planning permission for forestry use of land could be provided, for information to local persons, of proposed forestry development; if forestry plans will be redesigned; the distances involved in planting from nearest buildings; the species of trees favoured by his Department; the premium paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21900/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is the designated authority for the consideration and grant of approval for applications to afforest land. The framework for this is provided under the European Communities (Forest Consent and Assessment) Regulations 2010 (SI 558 of 2010). In accordance with these Regulations the public notification of applications is by way of the Department’s website and details of all applications for consent to afforest are placed on this site. My Department is currently reviewing the legislative basis for consents following the passage of the Forestry Act, 2014. The issues raised about wider public notification of applications will be considered in that context. The submission of forestry management plans is a condition of receipt of payments under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme. Standard templates are provided at establishment stage with a more detailed forest management plan to be submitted for forests of 5 hectares or greater when they have reached their 11th year of maturity. The Department is currently working on an on-line forest management plan system which includes the design features of the plan.

As regards set back distances from buildings from new forestry, the standard set back distance is 60 metres from dwellings and associated buildings, or 30 metres where the written consent of the owner is give before approval. In advance of the submission of an application, forest developers are advised to consult with neighbouring owners where issues are likely to arise in relation to the proximity of the development. The Department may also require such consultation as a condition of any proposed application for approval. While the 60 metres setback is considered reasonable in the majority of cases, my Department may insist on greater setbacks, or the exclusion of areas from an application, where it considers that this is necessary for landscape reasons.

The species selection as part of an application under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme is a matter for the landowner subject to it comprising a minimum of 10% broadleaves. The tree species proposed for planting must also have regard to its suitability to the site and soil conditions. The premiums payable under the Scheme are highest for broadleaves reflecting their longer maturity and reduced commercial potential in the short to medium term.

The rates of premium payable under the Scheme have been approved both at national and EU levels and represent an increase, in annual terms, on the rates available under previous Schemes.