Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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273. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are planned changes, either through legislation or otherwise, to the rules regarding the felling of forestry and the replanting obligation in the context of a scenario (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17186/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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A felling licence granted by the Minister provides authority under the Forestry Act to fell trees.  There are currently two types of felling licences – general and limited. 

If a general felling licence is obtained the specific area that is being felled must be reforested. However under a limited felling licence, while the forest owner must plant the same amount of land that is being felled, he may plant at a different location or locations.  A detailed reforestation plan is submitted with every licence application and the forest owner must replant within a specified period of time, in accordance with the conditions attached to the felling licence.

The reforestation plan will include the number and type of trees to be replanted, amongst other considerations.  A landowner can propose to plant the same number of trees, where for example a small number of trees are being removed along with a hedgerow. 

However, where a forest block is being felled, under a Limited Felling Licence, there is a strong likelihood that the applicant will plant a higher number of trees.  If a mature forest block is being felled there may be only 500 trees per hectare present, with the balance of the original stocking removed during previous thinning operations.  The alternative lands being afforested will have 2,500 trees per hectare where conifer trees are being planted or, 3,300 trees per hectare for broadleaves.

Replanting following felling is a legal obligation and therefore failure to replant according to the conditions on a licence may result in legal proceedings against the licence holder.  It should be noted also that if land is sold after felling, the replanting obligation falls to the new landowner.

The aim of the Department is to increase forest cover from 10.5% to 18% by 2046, through the reforestation of existing forest lands and the annual afforestation plan.  Sustainable forest management and, in particular, a robust replanting policy are vital to achieving this long-term aim.  Under the new Forestry Act, which will shortly be commenced, there will be a single licensing system.  The obligation to prepare and comply with a reforestation plan will remain and a replanting order may be sought where a landowner fails to reforest after felling.