People with concerns over the method by which plans for forestry are granted are being urged to engage with the Department of Agriculture.
A public consultation process on amendments to the Agriculture Appeals Act is underway with submisisons being received up until the 28th of August.
It relates to the implementation of a number of forestry related commitments in the Programme for Government.
including aligning the forestry licencing and appeals processes with the planning processes;
There is scope for the development of a new scheme for the creation of native woodlands on state and other public lands; a new a portal to enhance public participation in forestry decision-making and the appointment of an independent Chair to lead the implementation of the MacKinnon report.
Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry Pippa Hackett is urging people to be part of the change.