It is confirmed that existing in-date clearfell licences (including thin and clearfell licences) may be used to clear and remove trees where the forest plots covered by these licences have windblown damage caused by storms Darragh and/or Éowyn.
The existing conditions of the licence shall apply to any cutting, felling and removal of timber, including any timing restrictions in the licence conditions that might apply for the protection of bird species.
Forest owners are advised to review circular no 5 that was issued today which also outlines the notification forms required.
The other details in this circular regarding re-planting is also included in the circular.
Sligo-Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has welcomed the announcement which will cut through some of the red tape involved.
Deputy Feighan says there is a huge amount of timber down right across the northwest and needs to be cleared without delay hopefully this clarification will allow owners with thin and clearfell licences to act without delay.
He has been giving more details to Midwest Radio’s Michael D. McAndrew…..
