Vol. 514 No. 2
47 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to encourage the planting of conifers; his views on whether Ireland has the best growing conifer resource in Europe; his further views on whether growing of top quality conifers will be the best way forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3581/00]
The strategic plan for the development of the forestry sector sets out planting targets for tree species as follows:
60% Sitka Spruce
20% Other Conifer species
20% Broadleaves
Each grant aided afforestation project is required to contain a minimum of two conifer species together with a 10% broadleaf content, site and site area permitting.
Ireland's soils and climate are favourable for growing trees. The rotation period for conifers is typically 40 to 50 years. A growth rate of over three times the EU average has been recorded for sitka spruce.
The targets in the strategic plan reflect the need to increase the diversity of species in Irish forests to achieve better timber quality, to extend the range of potential end uses, to reduce risks associated with monoculture and for environmental and landscape purposes.
Thug an Plean Straitéiseach um fhorbairt na foraoiseachta, a foilsíodh i 1996, le fios go gcoinneofaí Coillte Teoranta in úinéireacht phoiblí sa mheántéarma, ach go soláthródh lánfhorbairt tráchtála na cuideachta réimse leathan roghanna úinéireachta don Rialtas sa todhcai.
An bhlian seo caite, ceapadh AIB Capital Markets agus Merrill Lynch International chun staidéar comhairliúcháin a dhéanamh chun na roghanna d'fhorbairt chorparáideach Choillte a mheas. Is éard atá sa staidéar ról Choillte a mheas maidir le cur le hearnáil foraoiseachta na hÉireann agus roghanna cuí a aithint agus a mheasúnú d'fhorbairt chorparáideach Choillte, lena n-áirítear comhaontas straitéiseach agus deiseanna scair-úinéireacta níos leithne. Táthar ag súil le Tuarascáil na gComhairleoirí go luath.
