A Sligo/Leitrim TD is introducing a Bill in the Dail calling for all forestry plantations over 12 acres, or five hectartes, to be subject to planning permission.
At present, planning is required only for plantations over 50 hectares.
Sinn Fein Deputy Martin Kenny says it’s over 30 years since Leitrim County Council passed the first of many motions calling for better regulation of forestry.
Last month in Sligo, councillors passed a motion calling for an increase in the development contribution fee from €600 to €5,000 for an entrance and exit onto a public road for any plantation over two hectares.
Deputy Kenny has been telling Ocean FM News the thinking behind his proposal:
