The government is to proceed speedily with the implementation of a number of forestry-related commitments in the Programme for Government, according to Minister of State Pippa Hackett.
Minister Hackett, who holds responsibility for forestry at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, outlined the measures to be implemented.
- 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.
Commenting on these initiatives, Minister Hackett said:
“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 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,” the minister said.
After the consultation, the draft bill will be presented to the Oireachtas for consideration as soon as possible after the summer recess, Minister Hackett concluded.