Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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38. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the Coillte and South Dublin County Council plans for a location (details supplied); his views on whether this may be an inappropriate intervention in these important forest areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21112/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management and development of their forest estate, are the responsibility of the company.  

I am aware of the proposed development of a gateway facility for visitors to the Dublin Mountains which involves the creation of a visitor information centre, café, toilets and information hub at Coillte’s Hellfire forest property in South Dublin, along with an upgraded trail network for walkers throughout the Hellfire and Massey’s Wood properties.  I understand that South Dublin County Council are leading this project supported by Coillte and that the project team have carried out extensive informal consultation with local residents along the approach roads to the facility, with adjoining landowners and with the wider public. I am advised that, once the planning application is lodged with An Bord Pleanála, formal statutory consultation will commence.  

In relation to the actual forest and woodland involved, Coillte advise that the valuable biodiversity and mixed woodland habitat that comprises Massey’s wood is being retained in its entirety. Coillte add that the project will see the removal of laurel and invasive species from along the stream and river edges, opening up the vistas along the watercourses enjoyed many years ago. I am advised, in relation to the Hellfire property, it is proposed to change more than twenty hectares of conifer forest to native mixed broadleaves over a ten to twenty year period and therefore to grow the biodiversity of this area also. I understand that there will also be an interesting interpretation of the rich natural and built heritage to be seen and explored in the area. I am advised that there will be a trail around the top of Montpelier Hill which will give a 360-degree panorama over Dublin City and Bay and south to the Wicklow Mountains, all brought to life with information panels as the breath-taking views change along the route.  

I understand that, as mentioned, the project team have carried out extensive informal consultation and that, having listened carefully to local concerns raised, have scaled back the proposal considerably with the building itself now less than 50% of the scale originally proposed and comprising only those facilities needed to give information and provide refreshments and toilet facilities for groups and individuals visiting the Mountains.  

Coillte advise that there is currently no orientation facility for visitors to the Dublin Mountains and that this development will make the trails, heritage and landscapes of the Mountains far more accessible to those who are visiting for the first time, both from Ireland and overseas.  I understand that many people enjoy forest recreation and that it enhances both physical and mental wellbeing.  Coillte further advise that this development will bring the Dublin mountains to life for many of the city’s residents and visitors from overseas.  

As I note that the planning application is to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála, I await the outcome of that process.