Vol. 399 No. 2
48 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Energy if he has any proposals in respect of the proposed programme of coniferous afforestation and the perception by many environmental groups of the negative impact which such types of afforestation will have on parts of Ireland's peatland area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My programmes for forestry development are drawn up in such a way as to improve rather than detract from the environment. To this end full discussions and consultations have taken place with the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works, the Department of the Environment and with the Directorate Generals for the Environment and Agriculture within the EC Commission.
The operational programme for forestry will give preferential encouragement for forestry developments on mineral soils rather than on unenclosed lands such as boglands, the diversification of species, and especially the planting of broadleaves.
Forestry developments which have environmental implications will be referred to the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works when boglands of scientific interest are concerned, to the local planning authority where landscape and amenity are concerned and the local fisheries boards where the proposed planting is within an aquatic zone.
