European Commission criticises Ireland’s forestry policy

The European Commission’s directorate general for environment says a strategic environmental assessment report submitted as part of the draft national forestry plan does not 'sufficiently address' concerns. Picture: Denis Minihane

The European Commission has criticised Ireland’s forestry policy in a scathing letter which highlighted particular concerns around planting on peatlands and the impact on birds.

In the leaked document, seen by the Irish Examiner, the commission’s directorate general for environment says a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) report submitted as part of the draft national forestry plan does not “sufficiently address” concerns.