asked the Minister for Energy the progress made in the planting of hardwoods in 1988; and if he has any plans to improve the rate in 1989.
Written Answers. - Hardwood Planting.
26.
In 1988 the then Forest Service planted 215 hectares of broadleaves and the private sector, with the aid of grants from my Department, planted approximately 22 hectares. Grants for planting broadleaves of up to £850 per hectare are available under the tree planting grant schemes administered by my Department. These will continue to be available throughout 1989 to encourage an improvement in the rate of broadleaves planted by the private sector. Broadleaved planting by Coillte Teoranta, the National Forestry Board, will be increased to 275 hectares in 1989.