Peadar Clohessy
Question:71 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Energy the steps being taken to achieve the objectives for the forestry development set out in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.
Written Answers. - Forestry Development.
My Department have already taken steps to achieve the forestry objectives set out in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.
The expansion of national planting levels is being actively promoted and achievement of the 30,000 hectare level per year from 1993 is well on target. Last year over 19,500 hectares were planted and I expect a substantial increase on that level this year.
Harvesting and marketing programmes are being continually expanded. Total timber production last year reached 1.5 million cubic metres and is expected to exceed 1.75 million cubic metres this year, which is well on target for achievement of the 2 million cubic metre level by 1993. This expansion in timber production, as well as the expanded planting levels, will ensure that the job creation targets given in the programme will be achieved.
New incentives are now in place to help achieve the important objective of expanding the contribution of farmers to the planting programme. Farmers qualify for the highest grant levels available under the forestry operational programme launched in August 1990. In addition to these grants, farmers have available to them annual forest premium payments for up to 20 years after afforesting their land. Arrangements are being made to establish forestry training and promotional programmes for farmers to further expand their involvement in forestry.
With a view to formulating a strategy for the development of the timber industry to the year 2000, arrangements are being made to undertake a major study of the sector.
Of the 500 kms of forest roads targeted for construction over the period 1990 to 1993, a total of 141 kms were completed in 1990 and a further 120 kms are proposed for completion this year.
My Department are placing increased emphasis on the environmental aspects of forestry and have instituted strict procedures under the forestry operational programme to protect the environment. Steps have been taken to promote the increased planting of broad-leaved trees. These have included a 50 per cent increase in the grants for broad-leaves. Guidelines have been prepared to limit the adverse impacts of forestry practice on fisheries. Further guidelines relating to the impacts of forestry practice on (i) archaeology and (ii) amenity and landscape are being prepared.
New incentives which I announced recently under the rural development operational programme provide for the encouragement of planned recreational forestry geared towards attracting tourism, improving the environment and expanding wood production in rural areas.
Publicity campaigns are proposed to encourage further investment in forestry by all sectors.
All steps taken or proposed will be kept under constant review to ensure that all the forestry objectives set in theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress are fully achieved.