The area afforested in 1997 and grant aided by my Department was 13,900 hectares. This includes some 2,500 hectares which was grant aided early in 1998. This disappointing outturn was due to a number of factors which included competition from other EU funded schemes and farmers postponing their planting decisions in anticipation of the higher grant and premium rates I introduced with the sanction of the EU Commission in October 1997.
The outturn for 1997 is significantly down on the planting target of 25,000 hectares outlined in the strategic plan for forestry. However, I expect the level of afforestation to recover significantly in 1998 and thereafter as the increased grants and premium rates take effect.
The current afforestation estimate for 1998 is 18,000 hectares, rising to 20,000 hectares in 1999 and 25,000 hectares in the year 2000.
Pre-planting approvals for 18,000 hectares have been issued for the current year and applications for a further 6,000 hectares are being processed.