Based in the Agriculture Appeals Office (AAO) in Portlaoise, the FAC was established as an independent appeals body, under the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001, as amended. The committee hears appeals from applicants or third parties against Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) decisions on licences in respect of afforestation, tree felling, forest road works and aerial fertilisation.
Making the appointment, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae, welcomed Ed, saying that he brought a wealth of experience and expertise to this important role.
He added: “I would like to acknowledge Séamus Neely’s excellent work in chairing and overseeing an effective and responsive appeals process over the last few years, and I wish him well in the future. I would also like to thank the deputy chairs, all the members of the committee and the staff of the Agriculture Appeals Office for their continued contribution in ensuring an effective and efficient appeals service for the forestry sector.”
Commenting on his appointment, Ed said: “The FAC is a critical part of the national forestry infrastructure, serving to ensure that access to information, decision making and justice as provided for in the Aarhus Convention and the provisions of the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 are fully realised. I am delighted to take on this important role of chair and to continue to build on the great work of my predecessor.”