Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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485. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application (details supplied); when a decision can be expected on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16582/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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All applications for the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme are carefully vetted to ensure the highest standards are met with regard to silvicultural, environmental and water protection considerations.

An application for the site in question was accepted in June 2018. This particular site is in close proximity to a Natural Heritage Area (NHA) which means that assets found in that particular area must be protected.  Furthermore, the site contains water features which will require changes to the proposal.

This particular site was previously considered under another application, which has now expired.  However, additional plots were included in this fresh application.  Observations were received from the local authority and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and, in light of these observations, it was decided to request the Department’s Ecologist to review the proposed site. 

 This work has now been completed and it has been determined that further information will be required from the applicant and their registered forester.  A letter will issue in this regard shortly.