Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

152. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an urgent reply will issue to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46815/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The designation of lands as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) is a function exercised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. My Department has not approved any afforestation within any of the six SPAs designated for breeding Hen Harrier since 2013.

During the Forestry Programme (2014-2022), consent for afforestation in SPAs, other than the six designated for breeding Hen Harrier, could be given in certain cases. In order to approve an afforestation licence within a SPA, it was necessary for my Department to conclude that the planting proposed did not adversely affect the integrity of the NATURA site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. An ecological report demonstrating how the project could take place in a manner compatible with the ecological objectives of the designation may have been required. This was the policy that was in place in October 2022.

The new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 launched on the 6 September 2023 and a new Afforestation Scheme opened. It will no longer be possible for my Department to issue an afforestation licence for land within any of the Special Protection Areas.

Adoption of this new requirement was necessary due to concerns raised by the European Commission during our State Aid approval process. I am confident that the changes introduced will allow my Department to fully align the licence application and assessment process for afforestation with both environmental legislation and with the State Aid conditions underpinning the new Forestry Programme.