Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
370. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update regarding the effectiveness of the NTA scheme in promoting forestry among farmers and landowners, given its financial attraction and efficient approval process (details supplied); the reasons for the low uptake; his plans to address and improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8719/24]
View answerThe Forestry Programme 2023-2027 contains a new Native Tree Area Scheme, which allows for the creation of forests of up to 1 hectare without an afforestation licence, subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme.
Within the scheme, two different interventions are available to applicants. NTA 1 supports the establishment of new native forests on farmed land, thereby contributing to Ireland’s targets in relation to a wide range of environmental priorities particularly climate change and biodiversity. NTA 2 supports the establishment of new native forests for water protection, that can be used to deliver ecosystem services that protect and enhance water quality alongside aquatic ecosystems.
The scheme opened for applications on 4th October 2023 and to date 88 applications, covering 91ha have been approved under this scheme. In addition, 52 valid applications totalling 57ha are currently being processed by my Department.
My Department will continue to closely monitor this scheme in conjunction with stakeholders over the duration of this Programme. We are hosting a training event for registered foresters in the coming weeks, which will address general queries surrounding eligibility and other terms and conditions.
We will continue to encourage farmers to consider the Scheme as a complementary activity to another farming enterprise with premiums of up to €22,840 for 10 years.
