Bernard J. Durkan
Question:48 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has for the expansion of planting through the forestry services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8677/99]
Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:49 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the acreage of forestry which has reached or is near maturity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8678/99]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:50 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the acreage under forestry ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8679/99]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:54 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of acres by which total acreage under forestry increased in each of the past five years; the locations at which the greatest increase in acreage has occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8687/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 49, 50 and 54 together.
The total area under forestry as at the end of 1998 was 619,000 hectares or just over 9 per cent of the total land cover in the county. The area of mature forests is estimated at 293,100 hectares or 47 per cent of the total.
The total area planted over the last five years is as follows:
|
Year |
Hectares |
|
1994 |
19,335 |
|
1995 |
23,529 |
|
1996 |
20,952 |
|
1997 |
11,435 |
|
1998 |
12,928 |
The greatest increase in forestry cover occurred in counties Cork, Mayo, Kerry, Donegal and Tipperary.
Policy for the development of forestry is outlined in the strategic plan for the development of the forestry sector in Ireland, Growing for the Future, which was approved by Government. The overall aim of the strategic plan is to develop forestry to a scale and in a manner which maximises its contribution to national economic and social wellbeing on a sustainable basis and which is compatible with the protection of the environment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:51 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of acres owned by Coillte Teoranta; if all of this acreage is intended for continued use for forestry pur poses; if there are any exceptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8680/99]
The current estate owned by Coillte Teoranta is 1,070,756 acres, 433,335 hectares, mostly comprising forested land, roads, amenity areas and unplantable land.
The Deputy will be aware that under the Forestry Act, 1988 the management of this estate rests with the board of the company in accordance with the commercial mandate detailed in that Act. Coillte Teoranta in its annual report, submitted each year to the Oireachtas and to the Register of Companies, details its management policies and performance in respect of its estate.
While in the main Coillte's estate is intended for and used for forestry purposes, the company has a range of diverse enterprises which utilises land including nurseries, Christmas tree farms, workshops, forest parks and amenity areas. In addition, the company acquires new land each year and sells some properties which are not strategic to its core business. In all these matters the company must operate in accordance with its mandate detailed in the Forestry Act, 1988.