Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

439. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rules regarding the distance trees are planted from persons' houses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17601/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Without having the details of a specific application or applications, I can only outline the standards required for Afforestation applications.  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 60m, or 30m with the written consent of the dwelling owner is a requirement of the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme.

The minimum setback distance of 30m is in line with established international norms for defensible space around structures, and as such the standard 60m forest setback should be more than adequate to protect homes and structures in Irish conditions.  Therefore I do not intend to review these standards.

While the prescribed 60m 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.