These, she outlined, include:
- A proposal to amend the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 to align the forestry licencing and appeals processes with the planning processes;
- The development of a new scheme for the creation of native woodlands on state and other public lands;
- The development of a new a portal to enhance public participation in forestry decision-making in Ireland;
- The appointment of an independent chair, to be identified, to lead the implementation of the MacKinnon report.
‘More of the right trees in the right places’
Commenting on these initiatives, Minister Hackett stated, “As a nation, we need to plant more of the right trees in the right places.”
“The Programme for Government commits to an ambitious afforestation plan, and a robust system is a critical part of that objective.”
This early action by government, she added, is designed to build a sustainable licencing and public participation model, and to engage public bodies in the drive to plant more native woodlands.
“These actions are being further enhanced by the recruitment of a significant number of ecologists by my Department.”
“These measures are a clear demonstration of the importance that the government attaches to a forestry sector that can deliver the best possible economic, social, environmental and employment benefits.”
Forestry licencing and appeals system
The minister confirmed that a draft bill to align the forestry licencing and appeals system with other similar planning processes is to be published by the end of this week on her Department’s website for the public to view and comment on the proposals.
After the consultation, the draft bill will be presented to the Oireachtas for consideration as soon as possible after the summer recess.
