Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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452. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a forest aerial fertilisation plan by Coillte in north-east County Clare (details supplied) particularly in relation to spray drift and the possibility of fertiliser entering the water tables via Lough Graney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49877/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Forestry Act, 2014 provides that the aerial fertilisation of forests requires a licence issued by my Department. My Department places great importance on the careful vetting of all applications for such licences to ensure that their potential impact on the surrounding environment is carefully assessed. Applications for an aerial fertilisation licence must include certain information, and any aerial fertilisation subsequently licensed must adhere to various requirements and to any specific conditions attached to the licence itself.

A licence for the forestry operation named has been received and this application is currently being assessed by my officials.