Irish Forest Roads Update ROADEX Partnership Network Dr Robert Leonard Agricultural Inspector - Engineering 5 th April 2016

Forest Road and Afforestation Activity Forestry Activity 2009 – 2015 Forecast Activity 2015 – Afforestation (ha)6,6488,3146,6536,6526,2526,1566,293 Grant Aided Roads (km) Scheme TOTAL Afforestation, ha6,0006,6607,1407,2058,1158,29043,410 Forest Roads (km)

Variable Tyre Pressure Scheme – Budget to be decided – Grant rate of 40% – Will Launch within next few months – Drive and trailer axles to be equipped with tyre inflation equipment, steering axle optional. Auto inflation to be required – linked to vehicle speed Be able to link to GPS system Maxi or twin tyres only Grant Scheme (VTP/CTI)

Preferred / Agreed Routes System in early stages of development Pilot project undertaken – report being prepared Data to underpin route development collected Visual assessment data obtained – roads Forest Cover data set available Will be linked to felling licence

Forest Road Junctions New Technical Standard for junctions between forest roads and public roads, detailing: – Junction Locations, – Sightlines, – Bellmouths, – Drainage. Technical Standard, Grant Scheme and Agreed Routes all part of package around timber haulage – only three of multiple elements

Forest Road Management Challenges Small forest blocks. Pressure on cost. Need to maintain construction standards. Forest road drainage. Multiple small operators. – 8 ha – average afforestation block in 2014 – >17,000 private owners