Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department is conscious of the implications of planting near private residences, which is taken into account at the pre-approval stage of forestry applications. My Department’s publication Environmental Requirements for Afforestation (2016) provides guidance on establishing plantations in accordance with good forest practice, with reference to environmental considerations.  A set-back distance from dwelling houses and associated buildings of 60 metres, or 30 metres with the written consent of the dwelling owner is a requirement of the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme. 

The setback minimum distance of 30 metres is in line with established international norms for defensible space around structures, and as such the standard 60 metres forest setback as standard should be more than adequate to protect homes and structures in Irish conditions.  

It should be noted that where structures have been damaged in the recent past, this has been in situations where other non-forest vegetation has been permitted to encroach on the defensible space, or where structures have been developed adjacent to pre-existing forest plantations without planning for the necessary separation distance. These situations are outside of the control or remit of my Department. 

It is essential that all rural residents assess the risks of fire to their homes regularly and treat hazardous vegetation to reduce this risk.  It is most important that access to homes is kept clear and that high risk features such as heating oil tanks and gas storage units are located away from any potential fire hazard. 

While the prescribed 60 metres set-back will suffice in most cases, the Department may require a greater set-back or indeed the exclusion of sections of a proposed site, if deemed necessary on landscape grounds. 

In recent years  my Department has developed considerable technical expertise around fire management, in conjunction with international fire management organisations and partners.  The Forest Service monitors fire risk daily throughout the main fire risk period and provides Fire Danger Notices that ensure that forest managers and owners are aware of prevailing fire risks and can take appropriate preventative actions. 

Applicants, Registered Foresters and other land owners must take into account the long-term implications of managing large open areas adjoining properties and the potential fire hazards associated with scrub encroachment.  Forestry is not a fire risk in itself.  Reports note that the majority of the recent fires appear to have been started deliberately and illegally on heather or gorse, which quickly spread to engulf forestry.

The burning of vegetation is controlled by the Wildlife Acts and it is an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife Act, 2000) to burn from 1st March to 31st August in any year, any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated.  Individuals who are found to burn vegetation within that prohibited period are liable to prosecution by An Garda Síochána or by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).  My Department has no role in regard to prosecutions.  Land found to have been burned during the specified closed season for burning is considered automatically ineligible under the various support schemes.