Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development
Draft Forestry Bill
National Sheep Association
SUBMISSION TO THE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ON THE NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY FORESTRY BILL
Edward Adamson
N.I. Region NSA
6 Fort Rd
Kilroot
Carrickfergus
BT38 9BS
Tel/Fax 02893366225
The Clerk of the Committee
Room 284
Parliament Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
18th November 2009
Draft Forestry Bill
Please find below some comments from N.I. Region of The National Sheep Association.
The NSA feels it would be unfair to place such controls as suggested on privately owned land.
The Compulsory Purchase of land is a contentious issue at any time and we feel that it would be unfair to enforce the sale of privately owned land without the consent of the owner.
To seek powers to control wildlife on lands neighbouring government owned forests has far reaching implications and could jeopardize incomes and land management agreements. Stockproof fencing would seem the most sensible remedy and other required control measures e.g. Fire buffer zones should be within the government owned lands around forests.
Landowners are already burdened with excess controls and a tree-felling license would just be another unnecessary piece of red tape. Present controls on tree felling are adequate.
Thank you for allowing me to make comment on behalf of N. I. NSA.
Your Sincerely