Bernard J. Durkan
Question:87 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the full extent of incentives now available for forestry or small tree planting proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Forestry Incentives.
The following is an outline of the incentives now available from my Department for forestry development.
Under the EC Forestry Operational Programme 1989-1993 grants are available for:
—Afforestation
—Improvement of Woodlands
—Reconstitution of Woodlands
—Forest Roads
—Forest Harvesting
—Back up measures covering studies and pilot projects and aid to associations.
Under the Forestry measures of the EC Operational Programme for Rural Development 1991-1993 aid is available for
—Planned Recreational Forestry
—Forest Nurseries
—Back up farm forestry services including (a) Co-operative Farm Forestry (b) Demonstration Farm Forests (c) Farm Business Management Consultations/Planning and (d) Promotion of forestry on a local basis.
—Forestry Training in forest establishment, maintenance harvesting and marketing.
Grants are also available for the reforestation of clearfelled land under a State-assisted scheme.
In addition an annual premium is available to farmers who plant their land under a Forest Premium Scheme.
A technical advisory service is also available to forestry developers on the planting of trees and the construction/ upgrading of forest roads.
Details of the rates of grant aid available under these schemes are set out in brochures published by my Department.