SHARING OPTIONS:
One of the Ag Climatise objectives is to construct 125km of new forest roads annually to facilitate wood mobilisation and to encourage the transition to a low carbon economy. \ Donal Magner
Ireland’s forestry licences system is often defended by Department officials as complying with EU regulations. Now it has been revealed by the IFA’s Geraldine O’Sullivan that Ireland’s felling licence process is draconian compared with EU countries.
Felling licences are not required in Sweden, Germany and France. In the Walloon region of Belgium, no felling licence is required for thinning or clearfells less than 3ha for hardwoods and 5ha for softwoods. While felling licences can take up to three years to obtain in Ireland, Belgian authorities ensure permits are granted in 30 days in Wallonia and 60 days in Flanders.