Have Your Say on the Future of Forestry
- Published on: 16 March 2022
- Last updated on: 16 March 2022
Department Launches Public Consultation on Forestry
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has launched a public consultation survey on the future of forests in Ireland today. This is the latest phase in the development of a new Forestry Strategy for Ireland
The consultation is part of the work of Project Woodland to shape a new shared vision and develop a new strategy for trees and forests in Ireland. All citizens, private organisations, public authorities, communities and stakeholders are welcome to contribute.
The online questionnaire is available here from Wednesday 16 March and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The survey features sections on the reasons why we plant forests, the places they are planted, the types of trees we plant, and how forests are managed. Respondents can also provide additional information to the questionnaire.
The consultation will run for six weeks from today until 27 April 2022.
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Biodiversity and Land Use, said
“Trees are a vital part of our natural heritage and make significant contribution to our rural economy. The shared vision for forests and the forest strategy we are developing will have an impact for generations to come. I encourage the public and stakeholders to take part in the survey and to make their views known. Through Project Woodland we are engaging with the public, local communities and stakeholders in a series of ways; this consultation is a crucial next step in forming a new forest strategy. This is an exciting time for forestry, and I am excited to see the results of this consultation.”
The information provided by respondents will be used to inform the final Shared National Vision for Trees and Forests in Ireland and in the development of a new Irish Forest Strategy.
Received contributions will be published on the Department website after the closing date.
Notes to Editors
Online Consultation Link
The online consultation survey will be available from Wednesday 16 March and can be accessed at foreststrategy.consultation.ie/en/surveys
Other forestry related material can be found at gov.ie/forestry
Supporting Documents
The survey contains links to documents that may assist respondents when looking for further information. These include:
• Draft shared national vision for the role of trees, and forests in Ireland to 2050
• Déachtfhís náisiúnta comhroinnte le haghaidh 2050
• Consultation support document. Working Towards Ireland’s Shared Vision for Forestry and a New Forest Strategy.
• Irelands State of Forest Knowledge Report
• Forest Statistics Ireland 2021
• New EU Forest Strategy for 2030
• The Department’s current forestry policy – Forests, products and people
Project Woodland
The Minister of State established Project Woodland in February 2021 to ensure that the current licensing backlog is addressed and that a new impetus is brought to woodland creation in Ireland. This Project involves a review and refresh of processes and procedures and includes outside stakeholder participation to bring an independent perspective. It is a task-driven process, with clear deliverables and milestones. The structure of Project Woodland consists of a Project Board, Project Manager, and 4 Working Groups who are tasked with the main following areas:
• Reducing the licensing backlog
• A Shared National Approach (to work on a shared national vision for the future of trees and forests in Ireland and a new Forestry Strategy)
• Organisational Development and Communications
• Process Improvement (to look at Forestry licensing procedures)
Forest Strategy
The development of new Forest Strategy is a key commitment for Project Woodland and is due to be published in 2022. The public consultation is part of a wide range of stakeholder and public engagements that will shape the strategy and deliver a shared vision for forestry. The Department will also develop a new Forestry Programme. The Forestry Programme and Forest Strategy will be screened for a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment and published plans will be subject to statutory consultation.
ENDS