204. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a forestry application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43905/19]

An application for Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme, was submitted on behalf of the person named in November 2018.  My Department is obliged to carefully vet all applications for the scheme, considering any potential impacts the afforestation may have.  These include impacts on any archaeological and environmental assets and on the surrounding landscape.

The application was referred to my Department’s Archaeologist and then to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).  The application is hydrologically connected to the River Moy SAC, which is an important SAC for salmon, among other species.

My Department’s Ecologist is also reviewing the application and will consider the SAC and the peat soils found on site, along with any possible effects that may occur during the full rotation on water quality.  It is likely that a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be required.  Further information on this will be provided to the applicant and their registered forester, when the Ecologist has completed the review.