Forest Service, an Agency of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has provided an opinion on the following project in respect of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (as amended).

Reference: ERA18/19-41

Project Type: Deforestation

Location: Montiaghs Moss, Lower Ballinderry, Co. Antrim

Grid Reference: J 097 657

Area: 1.5 hectares

Project Description: Removal of birch and alder to restore lowland raised bog habitat at Montiagh’s Moss SAC/ ASSI

Opinion: Not relevant. This project is unlikely to have a significant effect on the environment. No priority species or habitats will be affected by this project.

The habitat will be improved for the Marsh Fritillary butterfly a key feature of the SAC.

Maps and information relating to the project 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 21 October 2018 to Forest Service, Policy and Regulation Branch, Inishkeen House, Killyhevlin, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 4EJ or by emailing forest.regulation@daera-ni.gov.uk.