Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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694. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the dates officials of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine contacted his Department and or met with officials of his Department in connection with removing the requirement for planning permission when converting dead, dying and rotting Ash plantations to conifer species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20991/22]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is in contact with my Department in connection with a proposal to amend existing planning exemptions for the replacement of broadleaf high forest with conifer species.

Officials from both Departments discussed the matter initially in September 2021 and most recently met on 4 April 2022 to progress the matter. My Department is continuing to engage with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the proposals.

In the interim, it should be noted that it is still open to individuals to apply for planning consent for the replacement of broadleaf high forest with conifer species.