EIA consultation ERA20/21-88, 91, ERA21/22-03

Overview

Forest Service, an Agency of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has provided an opinion on the following projects in respect of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (as amended). An opinion under the Regulations is formed taking account of the selection criteria specified in the legislation. An opinion may be ‘relevant’ if it is considered that a project is likely to have a significant effect on the environment or ‘not relevant’ if a project is considered unlikely to have a significant effect on the environment. Each project is required to comply with the UK Forestry Standard, which describes the governments’ approach to sustainable forestry.

Reference ERA20/21-88

Project Type Deforestation

Location Annaghilly North, Rosslea

Grid Reference H 48235 32756

Area 5.65 hectares

Project Description Clearance of conifer and broadleaved woodland and conversion to agricultural land

Opinion Relevant. The scale of this deforestation project and the potential impact of deforestation operations and agricultural restoration on water quality are key factors in concluding that the project is likely to have a significant effect on the environment. This project requires an environmental statement.

Reference ERA20/21-91

Project Type Deforestation

Location Ballygrot, Helen’s Bay

Grid Reference J 45689 81912

Area 1.02 hectares

Project Description Clearance of infected ash trees and conversion to a forest garden

Opinion Not relevant Biodiversity may not be adversely affected by this project. Young diseased ash will be replaced with other species associated with woodlands and orchards. Other tree species within the site will not be felled.

Reference ERA21/22-03

Project Type Deforestation

Location Moneybroome Road, Lisburn

Grid Reference J 22223 66604

Area 5.03 hectares

Project Description Clearance of broadleaves and conversion to an agricultural field

Opinion Relevant The removal of broadleaved woodland is considered likely to have an impact on biodiversity and on features of cultural heritage.

Maps and information relating to these projects have been placed on www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/forestry. Further information may be obtained by contacting Policy and Regulation Branch at 028 6634 3034 or by emailing forest.regulation@daera-ni.gov.uk. Any person wishing to comment on the likely environmental effects of the above project may do so in writing by 26 July 2021 to Forest Service, Policy and Regulation Branch, Inishkeen House, Killyhevlin, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 4EJ or by emailing forest.regulation@daera-ni.gov.uk.