Joe Carey
Ceist:1987. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a forestry application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1812/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraForestry Sector
Ceisteanna (1987)
Freagraí scríofa
An application for an afforestation licence and the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme was received in May 2021. Parts of the site required exclusion due to the type of vegetation found. An updated bio map was submitted, with the areas excluded. In addition to this there is the possibility of Marsh Fritillary present on site. A site survey for this butterfly was received in December, 2021.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in their response to a referral sent, requested that they receive any additional information received or prepared in relation to this application, for their review. The Marsh Fritillary survey has been sent to them, and we are awaiting their response.
The application is currently with my Department’s Ecology Unit, who will complete their assessment of the application, once NPWS reviews the survey.
When that preliminary assessment is finalised, the application will be opened for a mandatory public consultation period of 30 days. I expect that a decision would issue within two to three months of receipt of the NPWS assessment, subject to the information provided being in order and no further work being needed in response to the public consultation process.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (1988)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:1988. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe for completion of the announced review of the Irish woollen industry; the amount of funding that has been allocated to the review; the terms of reference of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1852/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, a review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets is one of the initiatives included in the Programme for Government.
Following the €100,000 commitment for this review in Budget 2021, I initiated a public consultation in March 2021 to identify the terms of reference for the review. I also invited stakeholders to make recommendations in relation to prospective market opportunities for wool products on domestic and international markets.
The agreed terms of reference are:
- identification of market opportunities domestically and internationally for wool based products;
- carrying out economic feasibility and cost benefit analysis on proposed market opportunities;
- determining mechanisms that could be used to support industry initiatives;
- identification of potential research projects applicable to supporting the identified market opportunities.
In July 2021, through a competitive public procurement process, a Request for Tenders seeking service providers to carry out this review was published. I am very pleased to advise that I have appointed ‘The Agile Executive’ a consortium of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, to conduct the review.
The Agile Executive have been contracted to carry out the review in accordance with the Terms of Reference and will also be required to examine and evaluate the proposals received during the public consultation and report on their findings.
The report is due to be published in March 2022 and its recommendations will help focus the development of a robust policy roadmap for the Irish Wool Industry.
Food Promotion
Ceisteanna (1989)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:1989. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a food-related trade mission to China will occur in quarter 1 of 2022 [1898/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that Ministerial Trade Missions, lead by my Department, are an important tool in the development, diversification and expansion of Ireland's agri-food export profile.
Unfortunately, the public health challenges we have faced since early 2020 due to the pandemic have severely inhibited the opportunities to have in-person Trade Missions to our key international markets. However, during this time Minister of State Martin Heydon and I have participated in a series of virtual trade missions and trade promotional engagements in these markets. These engagements included activities in China and other markets in South East Asia, in West Africa, and in our more traditional markets across the EU, UK and US.
I am hopeful that 2022 will see an easing of restrictions on international travel, and on this basis my Department is developing a comprehensive schedule of in-person trade missions for the year ahead. I am particularly aware of the value of in-person visits to China, and their importance in addressing issues such as the current suspension of Irish beef exports, so a visit to China in 2022 is key objective for me.
The latest information from China, however, suggests that travel restrictions on international delegations will remain in place for the next six to nine months at least. Therefore it will not be possible to arrange a trade mission in early 2022. I am, however, planning on travelling to China as soon as possible, and the Department's current plan has a visit to China scheduled for November 2022.
I can assure the Deputy that I and my Department will also continue to use all diplomatic levers at our disposal to engage with the Chinese market, in collaboration with industry stakeholders and Bord Bia.
International Relations
Ceisteanna (1990)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:1990. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to have an agriculture attaché assigned to the embassy in Singapore. [1899/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department uses workforce planning processes to identify critical resources necessary to formulate long-term strategic policy development to encourage the continuing prosperity of Ireland’s agri-food sector, including the fisheries sector. Workforce planning is a key tool in enabling my Department to anticipate current and future staffing needs. The Workforce plan aims to ensure that my Department has the right people, with the right levels of talent and skills, in each location and division, doing the right thing at the right time.
As business needs arise, staff are allocated to support organisational priorities within my Department. Attaché roles are considered regularly by senior management with a view to optimising trade facilitation arrangements. The Department currently has attaché currently assigned to the region, based in Tokyo. While there is no current plan to have an attaché assigned to the embassy in Singapore, overall staffing levels and needs within locations are continually monitored and staff are assigned as business needs dictate.
Greyhound Industry
Ceisteanna (1991)
Martin Browne
Ceist:1991. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the ownership of Shelbourne Park and the reported issues with ownership of the underground kennel area will be clarified. [1964/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
Greyhound Industry
Ceisteanna (1992)
Martin Browne
Ceist:1992. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown of the €2,255,872 spent on animal welfare by Greyhound Racing Ireland in 2018, the €2,174,090 spend in 2019 and the €1,764,569 spend in 2020, categorised in relation to racing regulation, welfare, laboratory, integrity and governance. [1965/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
A breakdown of the RCÉ spend, categorised in RCÉ's Annual Reports in relation to racing regulation, welfare, laboratory, integrity and governance has been provided by RCÉ and is as follows:
Racing Regulation, Welfare, Laboratory, Integrity & Governance
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
|
Payroll and Travel |
1343,740 |
1,301,860 |
1047,401 |
|
Control Committee |
48,528 |
49,232 |
39,135 |
|
Laboratory |
373,974 |
380,762 |
309,473 |
|
Testing, Consumables and DNA |
38,976 |
40,029 |
32,791 |
|
IRGT and Welfare |
171,010 |
162,051 |
129,261 |
|
Veterinary |
206,300 |
173,985 |
188,504 |
|
Sales Auctioneer Fees |
- |
- |
4,062 |
|
Office Expenditure |
73,344 |
57,171 |
13,942 |
|
|
2,255,872 |
2,174,090 |
1,764,569 |
Since 2020 it has been stipulated that as part of the parameters and conditions of the funding provided by this Department to RCÉ, that a minimum of 10% of the total Fund is to be spent on welfare measures including integrity.
RCÉ has informed my Department that in addition to the spending under the heading in the Annual Reports referred to above, RCÉ has invested further in welfare, including integrity. The RCÉ Care Fund was initiated in 2019.
Greyhound Care Fund and Traceability
|
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Care Fund-Covid19 Welfare Payments |
- |
- |
994,175 |
|
Care Fund-Covid19 Trial & Litter Supports |
- |
- |
12,694 |
|
Care Fund-Contribution to Welfare Initiatives |
- |
129,251 |
184,677 |
|
Traceability & Scanning Project |
|
|
247,800 |
|
|
|
129,251 |
1, 439,346 |
Greyhound Industry
Ceisteanna (1993)
Martin Browne
Ceist:1993. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Greyhound Racing Ireland laboratory has the capability to test blood and hair follicle samples; if so, the cost of such tests; and the number of such tests carried out in 2020 and 2021. [1966/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
Seirbhísí Oileán
Ceisteanna (1994)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1994. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an bhfuil sé i gceist aige go dtabharfar pasanna d’oileánaigh as na hOileáin Árann le go gceadófar dóibh páirceáil saor in aisce sa gcarr clóis poiblí atá gar don ché farantóireachta i Ros a’Mhíl, ós rud é go bhfuil na socruithe atá i bhfeidhm faoi láthair mífheiliúnach, mar a míníodh dó nuair a thug sé cuairt ar Ros a’Mhíl i mí Dheireadh Fómhair; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2029/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I láthair na huaire, tá cónaitheoirí Oileáin Árann, trí ionadaithe Chomharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo., Comhar Caomhán Teo., Coiste Páirceála Carranna Inis Oírr agus Inis Meáin, ceadúnaithe chun páirceáil in Ionad Chalafort Iascaigh Ros an Mhíl. Cosnaíonn an ceadúnas seo €10 sa bhliain agus tá áiseanna páirceála á gcur ar fáil le haghaidh breis is 160 feithicil. D’iarr mé ar mo Roinn labhairt leis an gceadúnaí maidir leis na háiseanna páirceála do charranna ag an gcalafort.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (1995)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:1995. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will incorporate forestry schemes into the CAP environmental requisites for farmers in order to increase the numbers of tree planted across the State and to create a pathway for farmers in order to satisfy their environmental obligations under CAP. [2066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The planting of trees has the potential to play a significant part in our environmental priorities especially water quality, biodiversity and climate. As outlined in the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) tree planting actions have been included in both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2.
The new Eco-Scheme (Pillar 1) includes a tree planting option as part of the menu of options that farmers can choose from. The Pillar II Agri-Environment Climate Measure (AECM) includes significant tree planting actions for specific objectives, such as riparian buffers for water quality, in belts for ammonia capture near the farmyard or in rows, groups or as parkland.
In addition, the AECM actions also include a farm sustainability review in which farmers can discuss a plan for their whole farm, including the identification of areas suitable for tree planting. In cases where farmers show an interest in planting trees on an area exceeding 0.1ha, the individual farmer will be encouraged to consider entering the afforestation scheme under the National Forestry Programme.
As the Deputy may be aware, a national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed as part of the work carried out in Project Woodland. This new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period
2023 - 2027. An extensive public consultation process on the new strategy has commenced and I would encourage anyone interested in forestry to participate in this process.
I would also like to point out that I have very recently secured cabinet approval to bring about changes to the Forestry Act 2014 which will make it easier to plant small areas of native trees, up to 1ha. The amendment to the Act will enable my Department to increase native tree planting as part of a scheme, which farmers will be eligible to apply for, by removing the requirement for an afforestation license for areas up to 1 ha.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (1996)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:1996. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the external regulatory review of the licensing process for forestry will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2067/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulatory review of the licensing process is an important initiative which is being carried by a consultant with legal and environmental expertise, under the auspices of Project Woodland. As you may be aware Project Woodland was launched in February, 2021 and aims to improve the forestry licensing system as well as developing a shared vision for woodland creation in Ireland.
The regulatory review is assessing the existing statutory framework for the licensing of forestry activities in relation to environmental and public participation obligations in order that practical advice can be provided to the Department on how to work more efficiently within the existing legal framework. That report is expected at end February.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (1997)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:1997. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason licences for Coillte are approved at a far higher rate than private sector licences; and the steps his Department is willing to take to equalise this discrepancy. [2068/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 all those who apply for forestry licences.
This is regardless of whether that application comes from a private individual who wishes to plant trees, a forest owner who wishes to fell their crop, or Coillte who wishes to supply sawmills with product from their estate. Each licence has a value particularly to the rural economy where the timber is harvested, transported and processed.
As regards the issuing of Coillte versus private licences last year we received 3,601 tree felling licence applications, split between 2,299 Coillte and 1,309 private applications (64%/36% respectively). My Department issued 1,345 private felling licences and 1,532 to Coillte in 2021.
This highlights that overall, there was no great disparity between Coillte and private licences (47%/53% respectively), notwithstanding the greater number of Coillte applications received.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (1998)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:1998. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that the State is falling short of the target set in the Programme for Government of 8,000 hectares of trees planted per year [2070/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Climate Action Plan 2021 sets an afforestation target of 8,000 hectares per year which builds on the significant amounts of afforestation carried out since the 1990s.
This target is ambitious when compared to recent afforestation rates and will be challenging to meet in the next decade. However, my Department is committed to addressing the current barriers which has resulted in low afforestation rates in the last few years.
The rate of afforestation is a function of the number of applications for licences, the rate at which these are processed and the number of licences which are ultimately converted into planting. These elements have been impacted by the complexity of the legal and administrative system, judicial decisions, the efficiency of the forestry licencing system, the appetite among landowners to convert land to afforestation usage and , in some areas, complex societal attitudes and responses to afforestation.
All of these issues have to be addressed if we are to increase afforestation rates to the necessary levels in the coming years. Project Woodland has been established as a collaborative effort to deal with these issues.
Work streams have been established to reduce the backlog in licencing, to carrying out a regulatory review to determine whether there is a better way to meet legal requirements, to examine potential efficiencies in work processes and to look at optimising capacities and identifying training needs both in my department and in the sector.
The Project is also engaged in a public consultation to develop a vision for the sector that can serve the complex needs of society and feed into a new Forestry Strategy in 2022.
Progress is being made. The overall output of licences increased by almost 60% in 2021 and supplies of timber for the processing sector have been stabilised.
A backlog of forestry licences appeals which had been a significant administrative burden and a delaying factor in many licence applications has been dealt with.
In 2022 there will be a greater focus on licences for planting. An independent regulatory review is underway, my department is, with the assistance of external expertise, examining its systems and processes, and the work to develop a vision for the sector that communicates its many benefits more effectively and contributes to a new strategy is well under way.
Of course the work to develop a strategy will include an assessment of the policy framework and the configuration of supports.
The Forestry Programme already has a wide range of generous grants and annual premiums that makes forestry an excellent land use option which can complement existing farming enterprises.
I am also proposing significant tree planting measures under the CAP Strategic Plan to build on the 1.5 million trees planted under the GLAS scheme. I also aim to facilitate small scale tree planting up to 1 hectare without the need for an afforestation licence if planted via an approved scheme.
Last year’s afforestation figures were 2,016 hectares despite over 4,000 hectares approved. There is currently over 5,000 hectares of licenced afforestation in the hands of landowners and forestry companies.
The conversion rate from licencing to planting is approximately 64 %. This low conversion rate means that a disproportionate amount of processing effort both by the Department and the sector is nugatory. Improving this conversion rate will be difficult, but should be a priority both for the sector and the Department
I am committed to working with all our stakeholders to substantially increase our afforestation rates over the next decade.
Nitrates Usage
Ceisteanna (1999, 2000, 2001)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1999. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of chemical fertiliser in tonnage that has been imported up to 14 December 2021 for the 2022 trading period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2090/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:2000. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of chemical fertiliser in tonnage that has been imported in each of the past seven years up to 14 December 2021; the way the imported tonnage for the 2022 trading period compares percentage wise for each of the preceding seven recording years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2092/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:2001. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of chemical fertiliser that has been imported in the past seven years up to 14 December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2093/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1999, 2000 and 2001 together.
The following table sets out imports of chemical fertilisers from 2014 to November 2021. (Data for December 2021 is not yet available from CSO, but is expected during February):
|
Year |
Tonnes |
|
2014 |
1,480,399 |
|
2015 |
1,458,926 |
|
2016 |
1,425,462 |
|
2017 |
1,602,759 |
|
2018 |
1,820,877 |
|
2019 |
1,583,885 |
|
2020 |
1,785,644 |
|
2021 |
1,559,760 (11 months) |
As can be seen from the table above, imports of chemical fertilisers were cyclical in nature and were dependent on the relevant environmental conditions at that time. My Department currently has no visibility on imports for 2022.
Question No. 2000 answered with Question No. 1999.
Question No. 2001 answered with Question No. 1999.
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (2002)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:2002. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the most likely applicants and beneficiaries by farming sector for the current proposed eco-schemes in pillar 1 through the modelling exercises that have been prepared by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2094/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Eco-Schemes were included in the EU CAP Strategic Plan Regulation for the first time as part of the next CAP (2023-2027).
Under the Regulation, they must be funded from within Pillar 1 of the CAP budget. In line with the CAP Strategic Plan Regulation, I have decided to allocate 25% of Ireland’s Direct Payments envelope to the Eco-Scheme annually, which equates to approximately €297 million per annum.
Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan has now been submitted to the EU Commission for approval. Under the draft plan, the Eco-Scheme is intended to reward farmers from all farming sectors, who undertake actions that are beneficial to the climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity.
This annual scheme will be voluntary for farmers, and to qualify for payment they will have to undertake specific agricultural practices on their farms. It is proposed that farmers will apply for the Eco-Scheme at the same time as their application for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) from 2023 onwards.
Payment under the Eco-Scheme will be an annual payment for all eligible hectares covered by the commitments undertaken. Based on 2021 Basic Payment Scheme figures, an expected 129,000 eligible farmers could participate in the scheme and the payment per hectare will be impacted by the actual participation rate.
If all 129,000 farmers participate in the Scheme and bring in all their eligible land and assuming all eligible hectares on a farmer’s holding receive the same payment rate, it is estimated the rate would be approximately €66 per eligible hectare. If uptake is lower, for example, with 85% of farmers participating in the Scheme, then it is estimated the payment rate would increase to €77 per eligible hectare, assuming all eligible hectares on a farm holding receive the same payment rate. It should be noted that the Eco scheme as proposed will payable on all the eligible hectares declared by a farmer, not just on the number of entitlements held by the farmer.
The list of eight agricultural practices proposed by Ireland in the draft CAP Strategic Plan is set out below. A farmer will have to undertake two agricultural practices to receive an Eco-Scheme payment except in the case of Space for Nature where if the farmer meets 10% that will count as two agricultural practices or in the case of Planting of Native Trees or Hedgerows where if the farmer plants 6 trees per eligible hectare or 2 metres of hedgerow per eligible hectare, that will count as two agricultural practices.
- Space for Nature
- Extensive Livestock Production
- Limiting Chemical Nitrogen
– Planting of Native Trees/Hedgerows
– Use of GPS controlled fertiliser spreaders/sprayers
– Soil Sampling & Appropriate Liming
– Planting of a Break Crop
– Sowing a Multi-Species Sward
I have been clear in the need to have a straightforward, practical Eco-Scheme that will ensure that my Department will be in a position to make payments on an annual basis to farmers, while also ensuring the Eco-Scheme delivers on its objectives in relation to climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity. In relation to the proposed Agricultural Practices, the Deputy will be aware that Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan was submitted to the EU Commission on 31 December 2021. The plan, including the details of Ireland's proposed Eco-Scheme, is now being considered by the EU Commission and is subject to Commission approval. My Department will be liaising with the EU Commission over the coming months as part of this approval process.
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (2003, 2004)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:2003. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that will be better off with 85% convergence and 100% convergence, respectively relative to their current payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2096/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:2004. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of farm payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2003 and 2004 together.
The position of farmers in each county that would be comparatively better off with a 100% convergence option versus the 85% convergence option in both the first and final year of convergence remains as stated in Parliamentary Question 55062/21 and Parliamentary Question 56451/21 with the caveats of the data modelling outlined.
The payment position will be unique to every farmer due to their payment entitlement value, but also their eligible land area, and the Pillar 1 schemes (Eco scheme and the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability scheme etc) for which they apply.
The figures examined include the allocation for Eco-Schemes which result in a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) ceiling, that in turn determines convergence and therefore the BISS value.
My Department is currently working on a modelling document that will inform farmers of the final measures submitted in the CAP Strategic Plan. This will hopefully add clarity for farmers on the payment landscape in 2023 and beyond.
Question No. 2004 answered with Question No. 2003.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (2005)
Martin Browne
Ceist:2005. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of felling licence applications issued broken down for Coillte and private (details supplied) from May to December 2019 and for the entirety of 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2099/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has invested heavily in additional resources and in process improvements, alongside Project Woodland, to increase licence output. This has had the desired effect with a marked increase in licences issued last year. In fact, we reached our target for 2021, issuing 4,050 forestry licences.
Much of that output has been felling licences, which reflects the number of felling licence applications we receive as opposed to forest roads and afforestation licence applications. To the end of last year, we received 3,601 tree felling licence applications, split between 2,299 Coillte and 1,309 private applications (64%/36% respectively).
In 2021, My Department issued 1,345 private felling licences and 1,532 to Coillte. This highlights that overall, there was no great disparity last year between both Coillte and private licences (47%/53% respectively), notwithstanding the greater number of Coillte applications received. Coillte is responsible of the mature national forest estate and represents 75% of the national supply of logs to sawmills.
From May 2019 to end 2020, there were 1,447 felling licences issued to private applicants and 1,626 felling licences issued to Coillte. That is 47%/53% respectively, which again indicates that there is not a huge difference in outputs between private and Coillte felling licences.
The number of forestry licences issued each week is indicated in the Forestry Licensing Dashboard, which contains a breakdown of the licences issued for both Coillte and private applicants, and this may be viewed on the Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/15b56-forest-statistics-and-mapping/
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (2006)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:2006. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry licences issued by type and week in each of the years 2016 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2142/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware licence output in my Department was affected by Court judgements and their interpretation which led to a much more onerous Appropriate Assessment procedure and the need for ecological input for the majority of licences.
This is reflected in the decreased number of licences issued in 2020. In order to address the delays which had arisen due to these changed circumstances, my Department invested heavily in additional resources and in process improvements, to increase licence output.
This has had the desired effect with a marked increase in the number of licences issued last year, at 4,050 forestry licences, and this met the target which we set ourselves. This included 2,877 felling licences at a volume of nearly 8.5 million cubic metres, the highest volume issued in a single year, and forest road approvals for 264 kilometres, more than double the target set in the Climate Action Plan 2019.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the forestry sector, we are aware of the need to increase the number of afforestation licences and this will be a focus in our 2022 licensing plan, which we will be publish shortly.
Improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of the licensing process are also being dealt with under Project Woodland, and of particular interest its the Legal and Regulatory Review of forestry licencing, a report on which is due in February. We are also rolling out a pilot for Pre-application discussions in order to help improve the quality of afforestation applications.
As regard the statistics requested, my Department publishes a range of these on its website, including the number of forestry licences issued by each type. This data is available monthly at this link gov.ie - Forestry Division Monthly Reports (www.gov.ie ) and is copied in the attached for ease of reference.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (2007)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:2007. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry licences currently being processed that relate to applications under one hectare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2143/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are 24 afforestation applications on hand with my Department with an area of less than 1 hectare. It is my objective to increase and encourage interest in small scale planting by removing the licensing requirement for areas not greater than one hectare, which may prove to be a barrier to such planting and be considered onerous and complex.
Such an exemption would be available as part of a scheme which my Department intends to design and implement once the required legislative change is in place.
As you may be aware I am seeking to amend the Forestry Act 2014 to facilitate such planting, with an exemption available for
i) an area of not less than 0.1 hectare and not greater than 1 hectare, or
ii) an area of not less than 0.1 hectare that is not greater than 20 metres in width
and this amendment is currently moving through the Houses of the Oireachtas through the vehicle of the Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.