Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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260. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a tree felling licence will be issued to a person (details supplied) in view of the fact the application was submitted on 13 May 2020 and the delay is having a negative financial impact on the applicant; the timeframe for dealing with such applications; and his plans to clear backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29014/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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An application for a tree felling licence for the person named was received on 19th May. Every application must be carefully assessed for its potential impact on the surrounding countryside and environment. The application was referred to my Department's Archaeology Unit and their report has been received.

The proposed site of the felling operations lies within the zone of impact of two designated sites. Therefore, the application must be carefully assessed by my Department's Ecology Unit. The person named may, if they wish and at their own expense, submit a Natura Impact Statement (NIS), which can considerably reduce the length of time required to consider the application. If they so choose, they can contact my Department, where they will be provided with guidance on what areas the NIS must focus. Once the assessment of the application is complete, a decision will issue.