Niamh Smyth
Question:481. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42335/23]
View answerTuesday, 3 October 2023
Questions (481)
Written answers
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, it is my aim to deliver a licensing system which meets the needs of the forestry sector at all stages of the licencing process. This is regardless of whether that application comes from a private individual, a forest owner or Coillte. We recognise that each licence has a value, particularly to the rural economy, where the timber is harvested, transported and processed.
The equal treatment of all licence applications is borne out by the figures from 2023 and 2022. To date in 2023, my Department has issued 1,132 Coillte felling licences and 1,176 private felling licences (49%/51%, respectively).
Since the beginning of July 2023, we have issued 427 Coillte licences and 300 private licences (59%/41%). The number of felling licences issuing in any one period depends on many factors, including when they were received and their relative complexity.
The issuing of felling licences is demand-led, and the level of demand is indicated by the number of licence applications made. To date we received 1,446 tree felling licence applications, split between 750 Coillte and 696 private applications (52%/48% respectively).