Forestry developments should come before council for approval - Mayo authority told

PROPOSED forestry developments should come before councils for planning approval.

That's the view of elected representatives in Mayo who are pushing for better regulation of the sector.

Location and impact on rural communities is a concern of Councillor John O'Hara who tabled a motion on the matter at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council.

Farms are being taken over by outside investors, they can plant right up to the doors of homes, without needing planning permission, and the whole situation is 'very unfair'.

There is no regulation and it is closing down rural Ireland, he warned.

Councillor O'Hara wants every local authority in the country to unify on the matter and bring it to the minister.

Councillor Jarlath Munnelly said plantations over a certain size should require planning permission, and he noted the impact they are having on ecosystems and communities.

What is happening is not sustainable, agreed Councillor Gerry Murray who highlighted the Spanish model of consultation with farmers and communities where land comes up for sale.

Our Spanish counterparts are 'amazed' by the situation in Ireland and the latitude given, particularly to investment funds, he said.

The government needs to look at the Spanish model, said Councillor Murray.

The type of trees being sown also needed to be looked at, said Councillor Ger Deere, who said Sitka spruce is destroying the environment.

This matter is 'real serious', he said, from the point of view of the environment, fire hazard and the sustainability of rural areas.

“There's a time-bomb coming down the line unless we regulate it,” he stated.

It was suggested that someone from the department attend a meeting to hear their concerns and that the agriculture/environment strategic policy committee would also look at the best way forward to bring about change.