Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - Afforestation Grants.

John McGuinness

Question:

154 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department will review the amount paid per acre under the forest premium scheme in view of the fact that the original participants in the scheme do not receive a yearly increase and are not in line with payments received by current participants; the plans, if any, he has to deal with this anomaly; if so, the timescale in this regard; his views on whether the scheme is successful and worthwhile; the number of landowners in County Kilkenny who participate in the scheme; the number of acres planted in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16157/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

Eligible farmers qualified for the premium rates applicable under Commission Regulation No. 2328/91. Under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2080, increased rates of premium were introduced and applied in cases where a forestry development was approved on or after August 1992 and for which the afforestation grant was paid on or after 1 January 1993.

Efforts to improve the situation of farmers paid under the earlier scheme have to date been turned down by the European Commission. I am in the process of preparing a new case which will be forwarded to the Commission at the earliest possible date.

At present there are 339 landowners, with 3,287.94 planted hectares participating in the CAP premium scheme in County Kilkenny.

The rate of private afforestation grew from a very low base in the mid-1980s to approximately 17,000 hectares per annum in the mid-1990s. This growth has been made possible with the availability of significant EU funding provided for under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2080/92. I am satisfied that the scheme is successful and worthwhile.

Jack Wall

Question:

155 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of applicants for forest premia in County Kildare; and the number of premia granted and the acreage involved. [16160/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

There are 102 applicants for forest premia in County Kildare. Of these, 87 have been granted premia in respect of 546 hectares, and the remaining 15 applicants have been requested to supply supporting documentation.