Austin Deasy
Question:31 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the guidelines, if any, controlling the quality of land to be used for agriculture or forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Land Quality Control.
I understand that the Deputy's interest is in the quality of land used for forestry.
All proposals for the afforestation of over 200 hectares require planning permission but there are no restrictions from a quality of land viewpoint on a landowner choosing to afforest land as opposed to utilising it for other agricultural purposes.
However, where a landowner seeks grant aid for afforestation my Department sets certain standards regarding the suitability of land to grow a commercial crop and also requires compliance with specific environmental criteria. Land which has low fertility, severe exposure or drainage problems will have limited growth potential. On the other hand, a landowner wishing to grow diverse conifers or broadleaf trees, in order to maximise premium income under the new EU afforestation scheme, must plant on better quality land. The growing of diverse conifers and broadleaf trees on better quality land will in time produce higher quality and more valuable timber.