Forestry Appeals Committee chair reappointed on 3-month basis

The chairperson of the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) has been reappointed for a further three months, following the completion of his two-year contract in the role.

Minister of State with responsibility for forestry Michael Healy-Rae confirmed the appointment of Seamus Neely today (Tuesday, July 1) on a three-month basis "to ensure the continued operation of the Forestry Appeals Committee" while the process of appointing a new chair is underway.

Neely has already served as chair of the FAC for the last two years, with his official contract in this role now completed.

Commenting on the reappointment, Minister Healy-Rae said: "I would like to acknowledge Seamus Neely's excellent work in chairing and overseeing an effective and responsive process.

"I would like to thank the deputy chairpersons, all the members of the committee and the staff of the Agriculture Appeals Office for their continued contribution in ensuring an effective and efficient appeals service for the forestry sector," Minister Healy-Rae added.

"I appreciate also Mr. Neely's agreement to continue in the role while the search for a new chair is underway," the minister said.

The FAC was established as an independent appeals body under the Agricultural Appeals Act 2001 as amended.

The committee hears appeals against decisions on forestry licences, from applicants or third parties who are dissatisfied with decisions made by the department on applications for licences for afforestation, tree felling, forest road works and aerial fertilisation.

The FAC recently published its chairperson's report for 2024, which said that the committee received 127 valid appeals against licence decisions last year.

This figure was out of 146 total appeals received in 2024, meaning 18 of the total number received were considered invalid.

The 127 valid appeals concerned 99 separate licence decisions.

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During the course of 2024, 73 appeal decisions were issued, relating to 58 licence decisions. This figure includes decisions on the 53 appeals relating to 41 licence decisions that were unresolved at the close of 2023 and carried over into 2024.

There were also three appeals, relating to three licence decisions, withdrawn in 2024.

This left 105 appeals relating to 82 forestry licences not yet decided as of December 31, 2024.

Of the 73 appeal decisions against 58 licences in 2024, January saw the most appeal decisions, concerning nine of those 58 licences. March saw the fewest decisions, concerning zero licences.

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