Proposed fee for forestry roads

COMPANIES such as Coillte Teorant who look for planning permission to build new forestry roads will soon have to pay ¤1,000 per new entrance onto a public road.

The proposal is contained within the draft Development Contribution Scheme 2018-2024.

It was welcomed by Councillor Joe Queenan. He said the knock-on effects of afforestation in rural Ireland were “negative”. He said it was wrong that people couldn’t build a house on a scenic route but a forest could be planted.

“The damage they’re going to do to the roads. We’ve no bond or planning permission. We’re going to Dublin looking for money for roads and these guys can come in and wreck roads?” he told the meeting. He was supported by Cllr Margaret Gormley. It was agreed to defer the proposal until the next meeting in June.