Vol. 489 No. 3
41 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the area planted with forestry during 1997; the anticipated area to be planted in 1998; if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by the Chairman of the Irish Forestry Industry Chain at the declining level of planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8005/98]
The area afforested or newly planted in 1997 was 13,900 hectares while a further 6,897 hectares were reforested following harvesting.
Last year's disappointing outturn was due to a number of factors such as farmers postponing planting decisions in anticipation of the improved grant and premium rates which I introduced last October and the then uncompetitive position of forestry vis-a-vis other EU funded programmes.
I am aware of the concerns expressed by the Irish Forest Industry Chain but my own view is that the level of afforestation will recover significantly in 1998 and thereafter on the back of the improved grant and premium rates.
