asked the Minister for Energy if the trials carried out in short rotation forestry in west Cavan were a success; and if he will outline the plans for further development.
21.
Written Answers. - Short Rotation Forestry.
20.
asked the Minister for Energy the amount spent on experiments in short rotation forestry in 1985; and the percentage of the spending which was made available under EC funding.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.
I am not aware of any trials carried out in short rotation forestry in west Cavan. However, it may be that the Deputy is referring to work on the project of this nature which has been carried out in County Leitrim. The work in this case was undertaken by An Foras Talúntais and the National Board for Science and Technology with the co-operation of two farmers. I understand that, while the project to date has not been a complete success, nonetheless the potential for the growth of short rotation forestry has been established and the NBST are confident that the programme can be brought to a successful conclusion. They have prepared a proposal for a second phase of the project. My Department are considering the question of giving financial assistance towards the proposal.
To date this year my Department has not spent any funds on short rotation forestry but some of the funds which I have set aside for such activity are likely to be expended during 1985 on the Leitrim project. This project does not qualify for EC assistance.