Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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305. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of the Review of Approval Processes for Afforestation in Ireland; if this was co-funded by third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30854/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Review of Approval Processes for Afforestation in Ireland carried out by Mr. Jim Mackinnon, CBE, former Chief Planner with the Scottish Government, reviewed the forestry approval process and related issues. This was a similar exercise to that which Mr. Mackinnon had conducted for the Scottish authorities. It was published at the end of last year and cost of €15,640 was borne entirely by my Department as Mr. Mackinnon had been commissioned by my Department.

The report was informed by, among other things, discussions with a range of stakeholders including the forestry sector, farming organisations, the environmental pillar, state bodies, Teagasc and the Forestry Appeals Committee. In addition, written submissions were received.