Andrew Doyle, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, today announced the commencement of the Forestry Act 2014, which came into effect on Wednesday, 24^th May 2017. New forestry regulations, which provide the regulatory basis for a number of forestry activities including the licensing of felling, aerial fertilisation, afforestation and forest road construction, will also come into effect on that date.

Making the announcement, the Minister of State said “The Forestry Act 2014 is an important piece of legislation, which will make a significant contribution to the development of forestry by providing a more flexible system for regulating forestry activities, in general, and the felling of trees in particular.  The Forestry Act, 1946, while it has endured and served us well for seventy years, was in need of an overhaul. He added “I am confident that the new Forestry Act, which provides for the making of regulations over the whole spectrum of forestry activity, will facilitate the development of our national forest resource and industry both at a local level which is primarily rural-based, and at a national level in terms of its contribution to the economy”.

One of the main changes introduced by the Act and its associated regulations is the streamlining of the felling licensing system.  From 24^th May 2017, there will be a single licence process for tree felling, extended duration of felling licences and an increased list of exempted trees which will not require a felling licence. The Act also introduces tougher penalties for illegal felling of trees with the aim of maintaining the area of existing forest and helping to prevent future deforestation.

In conclusion, Minister of State Doyle commented, “It is important that the regulatory framework for forestry facilitates the development of the industry in a manner which is consistent with the objectives of environmental protection.  While the State already derives significant benefits from our forest resource, I believe that our forestry sector still has enormous potential in terms of the economic, environmental, climate change, recreational and tourism benefits that it can deliver. I have confidence in the industry’s capacity to make the most of the opportunities that continued Government funding of the sector provides. I look forward to co-operating in the continued success of this multi-faceted sector”.

Date Released: 25 May 2017