Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 4

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

62 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the payments under the grant scheme 2080/92 or any other subsidies of afforestation grants, maintenance grants and premia to farmers, non-farmer and Coillte plantings in farmer partnership and by itself in each of the years from 1990 to 1999 nationally and by county with a breakdown between broadleaves and conifers; and the amount and purpose of payments made under any other forestry measures. [6274/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

The level of afforestation which was subject to grant and premium payments from 1990 to 1999 was as follows:

Year	Hectares	Amount Paid
1990*	15,817
1991*	19,147
1992*	16,699
1993*	15,998
1994*	19,355
1995*	23,710
1996*	20,981
1997	11,403	£33.31m
1998	12,926	£41.70m
1999	12,667	£50.75m

*Not readily available for these years.

Total payment for forestry development, which included afforestation grants and premiums in the period 1990 to 1992, was £53.8 million. The corresponding figure for the period 1993 to 1999 was £296.7 million of which £218.3 million related to afforestation grants and premiums. The detailed breakdown of the information required by the Deputy is not readily available.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

63 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has proposed an increase in grants for softwood plantings from £85 a hectare to £145 without commensurate increases for broadleaf grants, thereby disadvantaging the planting of native broadleaves and the regeneration of semi-native woodlands in favour of non-native conifer plantations; and if this proposed increase has resulted in an 80% increase in applications over planting in 1999. [6275/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

As the Deputy is aware, I have sought significant increases in the afforestation grant and premium rates for both conifer and broadleaf species. I expect to be in a position to announce details of such increases in the near future.

I propose to introduce a native woodlands scheme to enhance and increase the size of our native-semi-native woodlands.

The number of afforestation applications in January-February 2000 was 7,500 hectares compared with 8,500 hectares in the corresponding period last year. It is likely that many of those interested in afforestation have delayed submission of their applications pending the outcome of negotiations on proposed increases in the rates.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

64 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has requested a comfort letter from the European Commission or sought its consent regarding the proposed changes in the afforestation grant structure; if so, the response of the Commission; the situation regarding grants for 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6276/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

Negotiations with the European Commission in relation to Ireland's application for increases in afforestation grant and premium levels are at an advanced stage and I expect to make an announcement shortly.