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The Self Assessment Companies are the six major forestry contracting companies in the country. They include Coillte Farm Forestry Services, Forestry Services Limited, Green Belt Limited, Mid Western Forestry Services Limited, South Western Forestry Services Limited and Woodland Contractors Limited. Following a detailed review process in 2002 only these six applicants met the criteria of the Forest Service.
These companies are authorised by the Forest Service to carry out a self-assessment service. The arrangement enables the Forest Service to speed up the processing of applications for approval and payments. The companies work closely with the Forest Service to ensure that high standards are applied to the process, with regular liaison meetings taking place with the technical and administrative management of the Forest Service.
The Self Assessment Companies employ full-time professional foresters. These foresters are obliged to follow specific procedures and guidelines, which have been agreed with the Forest Service. The Self Assessment Companies have given undertakings to the Forest Service that in the unlikely event of an application being refused a grant as a result of a failure to comply with guidelines, that they will rectify the matter to the satisfaction of the Forest Service. This process gives an assurance to the Forest Service and to farmers and landowners that the environmental and other guidelines which are fundamental to EU support for Irish forestry are fully implemented.
The Self Assessment Companies carry out 70 to 80% of planting for farmers and others under the afforestation programme. Some provide a virtually nation-wide service, others concentrate on specific areas of the country. All are obliged to adhere to the same high standards. Because of the large volume of cases with which these companies are involved, they have built up considerable expertise in dealing with the various issues that arise, at pre-planting and later stages. For instance, at pre-planting stage it may be necessary to consult with a range of state agencies. The experience of Self Assessment Companies ensures that they can address the requirements of these agencies efficiently and satisfactorily, and thus speed up the approval process by ensuring high environmental standards.
The self-assessment process has enabled the Forest Service to give a commitment to issue most such approvals in less than two months.
Self Assessment Companies provide full contracting and maintenance services to landowners. The companies can also provide a mandating service, which means that farmers do not have to finance the cost of the planting and maintenance, while they are awaiting grants. This enables the companies to finance the maintenance phase, which is of major significance and reassurance to the farmer. This requires a major financial commitment by the companies. Because each company has a full-time professional team they can ensure that maintenance work is carried out on a timely basis. Landowners have the comfort of knowing that the company will ensure continuity of service even if there should be a change in personnel. If a landowner wants a closer involvement in the job this is facilitated, subject to not compromising standards. Companies will generally help with matters such as ongoing premium payments, valuations, ESB compensation, and related issues.
The Self Assessment Companies have built up considerable experience in areas such as roading, thinnings, timber sales and general plantation management. This means that they offer a complete range of services with good administrative backup. This administrative backup is particularly crucial in the area of grant and premium payments. Those who have planted in recent years will be familiar with the very considerable amount of paperwork required to draw down grants and first premium payments. This includes proof of ownership, provenance certificates, maps and completed forms. Again the Self Assessment Companies have the resources to deal with these matters thus ensuring a minimum of delay between submission of application for grant and payment. In the unlikely event of a Forest Service query each company undertakes to deal with the matter promptly. The Forest Service continually monitors the performance of each company and forester.
The Self Assessment Companies provide a significant input into policy considerations and work closely with the IFA and others to ensure the development of a viable private forestry sector. The companies make submissions on all major forestry issues.
The companies compete for business without ever compromising the agreed standards and procedures. It may be difficult sometimes to choose between one Self Assessment Company and another. Matters for consideration may be the general approach of the individual forester, the local reputation and the general level of service in dealing with your queries.
The Self Assessment Companies have made a huge contribution to the infrastructure of Irish private forestry by providing a permanent team of dedicated professional foresters. Self Assessment Companies are committed to a training and development programme for their professional staff to ensure that the challenges of the next decade. will be met. By using the services of a Self Assessment Company you are plugging in to a network that includes a comprehensive range of advice and services. With the help of a Self Assessment Company, your project will be brought from green field to viable crop efficiently and economically, in line with Forest Service standards.
Compiled by:
John Phelan, Woodland Contractors Limited
Nicholas Cotter, Mid Western Forestry Services Limited
Padraig Egan, South Western Forestry Services Limited
Tim O’Brien, Green Belt Limited
Peter Alley, Forestry Services Limited
Leo Collins, Coillte Farm Forestry Services, Portlaoise. |
Self Assessment Companies 
