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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 5

Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - Afforestation Programme.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

5 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, his Department has under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006 to increase the acreage of forestry from the present low rate of 8 per cent. [24818/99]

The land under forestry at the end of 1998 totalled 620,000 hectares or 9 per cent of the land area of the country. The strategic plan for the forestry sector, "Growing for the Future", proposes an increase to 17 per cent by 2030. The plan sets out planting targets of 20,000 hectares annually from 2001 onwards. Some £500 million has been earmarked for the afforestation programme under the national development plan, the focus of which will be new planting by or on behalf of farmers.

I have identified the need to increase the level of grants and premia for afforestation and discussions with the European Commission are at an advanced stage. I confirm that the increased rates, when agreed, will benefit all planting which takes place during the current season. I am also in the process of ensuring there will be greater compatibility between forestry and REPS under the new rural development programme.

Does the Minister of State agree there is considerable scope for expansion in the forestry industry given the low level of afforestation with only 8 per cent to 9 per cent of land used for that purpose compared to the EU average of 30 per cent? Some 7 per cent of our land was planted in 1993 but we have only increased our percentage by 2 per cent since then. I am sure the Minister of State agrees that is a shocking state of affairs. The development of forestry on a certain scale and in a particular manner can contribute to national economic and social well being on a substantial basis compatible with the protection of the environment.

Will the Deputy put a question to the Minister of State?

Afforestation has the potential to convey statistical benefits to society by reducing CO2 emissions. According to the Kyoto Agreement which this country signed, we cannot exceed a certain rate of CO2 emissions.

The Deputy is making a long statement. He should ask the Minister of State a question.

What steps is the Minister of State taking to bring Irish foresters into line with their counterparts in mainland Europe who are growing trees to store carbon and selling it to local electricity generating companies? Why can we not develop something along those lines? When will the new afforestation premia be introduced? There is no interest in forestry in this country. I ask the Minister of State to elaborate on the plans he has for afforestation for the period 2000 to 2006.

I do not disagree with the Deputy who seems to be well informed. Not everyone is aware of CO2 emissions, but I am delighted the people of the south west are conscious of them. If this country is to reach its targets under the Kyoto Agreement, it must increase its planting levels. I assure the Deputy that is and has been my intention since I came to office. We have removed some of the obstacles in the way of doing this and we will continue to do so.

The Deputy mentioned the low rate of premia paid for planting. I hope to be in a position before Christmas to announce a substantial increase in the premia. I hope that will change the view farmers have of forestry and encourage them to consider it as a good alternative to conventional farming. I have put a new computer system in place which will speed up the payment of grants. I have also appointed nine new foresters which will help to increase our levels to the 17 per cent target. The farmer definition from 2000 onwards will also be different. I have also appointed six new office staff.

I am glad the Minister is tackling the problem of CO2 emissions. Ireland is already producing the maximum amount of CO2 allowed until 2012. We are in violation of the agreement signed in Kyoto. I cannot understand why only 50 per cent of the afforestation set out in the Government's 1996 strategic plan has been achieved. Will the Minister assure that forestry grants will be increased to a level which will make it attractive for Irish farmers to participate in the industry?

That is my intention and I hope to be able to make such an announcement in the near future. People have put pressure on the industry and on me to deliver. I am holding out for the best possible deal and I should finalise such a deal by Christmas. I agree with Deputy Sheehan about CO2 emissions. I am reliably informed that conifers extract more CO2 from the atmosphere than any other plant and it is essential afforestation increases.

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