Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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321. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the condition for a person (details supplied) to replant forestry after felling can be removed in view of the fact that no premium was paid in respect of the plantation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18579/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Forestry in Ireland operates within a legal and regulatory framework. This is necessary in order to protect forests and also to ensure that forestry operations and activities are carried out in compliance with the principles of sustainable forest management. The obligation to replant felled trees is required under the Forestry Act, 2014 and the Forestry Regulations, SI 191/2017.

Due to the extent of deforestation by the early 20th century, legislation was introduced to regulate tree felling. This has facilitated, in part, sustainable forest management. There is a need to avoid deforestation in relation to economic and social considerations and particularly in an environmental context such as carbon, landscape and amenity considerations. Reforestation after felling is essential to prevent deforestation, which would otherwise counteract the benefits of the initial afforestation, regardless of whether that was grant aided.

Every application for a tree felling licence is carefully assessed to ensure that the tree felling and the required replanting is carried out to the highest standards. All applications are desk assessed by Forestry Inspectors of my Department and where required a field assessment will be carried out. This assessment will include an examination of the proposed replanting and will include certain conditions in this regard, for example, any necessary setbacks from water courses, roads or dwellings.

I understand, the application for a tree felling licence for the person named, is currently being examined by a Forestry Inspector and a decision is awaited.