Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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232. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the agricultural schemes under which a landowner can plant up to one hectare of land without obtaining a forestry licence. [11806/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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All new forests proposed for planting 0.1 hectare (ha) or greater requires a licence and is regulated by the Forestry Act 2014. There is no scheme which allows the planting of one hectare without a licence. 

The Government is progressing through the houses of the Oireacteas a legislative change which will allow the planting of up to one hectare of native woodland without a licence when planted as part of a scheme.

The terms and conditions of this scheme will be drafted if the legislation is successfully passed by the Oireacteas. My Department will consult with stakeholders before any such scheme is drafted and will be screened for a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment.

My Department provides a range of grants and premiums for the planting of new forests 0.1 ha or greater under the Afforestation Scheme. All sites currently 0.1 ha or greater in size require a licence. The legislative change if passed will streamline the planting a small areas of native woodland.