asked the Minister for Energy the number of £500 grants approved for private planting during 1987 in areas outside the severely disadvantaged western area; and the number being processed at present.
Written Answers. - Forestry Grants.
17.
No grants have been approved to date under the revised forestry planting grant scheme outside the Western area.
Sixteen applications for forestry grants are being processed and grants will be paid shortly to successful applicants.
19.
asked the Minister for Energy if the proposal to make headage payments, in respect of afforested lands and grants for the development of same, outside the disadvantaged areas are restricted to those planting more than 25 acres; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
If the relevant proposals are approved in Brussels, farmers afforesting at least five acres of their holdings will qualify for the continuation of headage payments and afforestation grants in the disadvantaged areas. Full-time farmers outside the disadvantaged areas will also qualify for afforestation grants subject to the same minimum area being planted.