Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The person named is not a participant in my Department's Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme.

This plantation was established with support under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme by the previous owner who, as it stands, remains responsible for any liabilities arising from the scheme. The previous owner advised the Department in January 2020 that the site had been sold and was issued with material regarding change of ownership and steps to be taken to effect same, including being advised of the requirement for full repayment of all grants and premiums where a new owner does not continue in the scheme.  To date, the new owner has not yet applied to continue in the scheme.

My Department has advised representatives of the new owner in April 2020 of the scheme conditions  that remaining premiums would not be paid to the new owner unless change of ownership under the scheme was effected and that deforestation is not allowed under the scheme, unless alternative lands are replanted in accordance with the scheme conditions. They were also advised that TB was not a reason to deforest, that any felling required a felling licence under the Forestry Act 2014 and that illegal felling is an offence and can result in fines.

I have asked Department officials to review all aspects of this case in light of the information above and to communicate directly with the parties involved. If illegal felling has taken place, this will be fully investigated and result in prosecution, if appropriate.