Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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1807. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is considering increasing the mandatory minimum distance of newly planted forestry from vital infrastructure such as roads and telecommunications and energy lines, in view of the widespread disruption caused by storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47022/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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My Department recognises that last winter’s storms have caused significant damage around the country, including to electricity lines and other infrastructure.

The legislative provisions relating to forestry and powerlines reside in section 98 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, as amended by Section 45 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. The legislation allows the ESB and its representatives, taking due care and attention to avoid unnecessary damage, to lop or cut any tree, shrub or hedge which obstructs or interferes with any electrical wires.

My Department’s Forestry Standards Manual sets forest design requirements where infrastructure interacts with forestry land, including public roads and the electricity network. Electricity infrastructure is protected via a series of different setbacks depending on the voltage of the wires. As regards roads, a setback strip of 10 metres for broadleaves and 20 metres for conifers, measured to the surfaced edge of the public road, applies. In Conifer Forest, the strip 10 metres to 20 metres from the road may be planted with broadleaves or groups of broadleaves.

In recognition of the additional challenges presented by the recent storms, on 29th July 2025 the Government approved the drafting of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 which will enhance the resilience of the electricity grid. The purpose of this Bill is to enable proactive measures, such as the establishment and maintenance of designated forestry corridors within existing forestry and the maintenance of clear land around existing infrastructure.