Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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20. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered the contribution to reducing flood-risk non-native shallow rooted trees, soil compaction by clear-felling with heavy machines and deep vertical drains on uplands; and if will discuss this matter with Coillte in order to develop a plan for mitigation. [2200/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Work such as the Pontbren Project in Wales and the Forest Research/Confor report entitled The Role of Productive Woodlands in Water Managementdemonstrate the role appropriately sited and well-designed and managed forests and woodlands play in reducing and controlling floodwater. The primary mechanisms are canopy interception, the use of water by the trees themselves, and the higher water infiltration rates and greater storage capacity within forest soils. While these mechanisms vary depending on the type of forest and the season, they underline the importance of this landuse as part of any wider solution to floodwater control.

The Deputy's question appears to relate to conifer forests in upland areas. Such forests form a key component of Ireland's forest industry, supporting local livelihoods, rural development and downstream employment. Such areas also deliver a range of eco-system services and other benefits, including carbon sequestration and amenity and recreation. In tandem, as demonstrated in the aforementioned Confor report, these areas also play a role in reducing floodwater. The regulation by my Department of various forest activities within all upland forests, both Coillte and private, including the construction of forest roads, thinning, felling and replanting, is centred around the protection of the environment, avoiding unsuitable practices and strengthening protective measures, such as the introduction of water setbacks at the reforestation stage.

Meanwhile, any proposed afforestation within uplands (and elsewhere) is subject to a variety of silvicultural and environmental checks and standards, including cultivation and drainage standards, to ensure that any new afforestation does not pose an undue risk to the environment and does not exacerbate floodwaters.

Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their forest estate, are the responsibility of the company. However my officials are in regular contact with Coillte and other forest owners in relation to several environment issues, such as the protection of Hen Harrier and Freshwater Pearl Mussel. The regulatory process involved in assessing applications for the aforementioned forest activities also entails the provision of information and specifications in relation to individual proposals, enabling the Forest Service to arrive at a decision whether or not to issue approval, based on the protection of the environment, including floodwater control.