Vol. 516 No. 4
17 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by environmental groups that the new forestry grants system, agreed with the EU Commission, may promote the planting of conifer trees over broadleaf trees; the steps, if any, he is taking to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8191/00]
I recently announced significant increases in afforestation grants and premia. The bias in favour of broadleaf trees which existed under the previous system has been maintained under the revised rates. The target for broadleaf trees is also maintained at 20% of overall planting. In addition, I propose to introduce a native woodlands scheme to enhance and increase the size of our semi-native woodlands, which are largely broadleaf woodlands.
Afforestation, in particular planting of conifers, is probably the only economic activity that will contribute to meeting our commitments under the Kyoto protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It should be understood that conifers take more carbon from the atmosphere than any other economic activity. Consequently, they will go a long way towards helping us achieve our goals under the Kyoto protocol.
Does the Minister agree that the grants scheme favours conifers rather than broadleaf trees? Is he suggesting that this will continue? Are there any plans to redress the situation? Are there any plans to replace the £220 million worth of saw wood and other wood which is imported each year?
The purpose of the strategic plan is to ensure that Ireland will be self-sufficient with regard to timber. At present 9% of the country is under afforestation. If the plan achieves its target, 17% of the country will be under afforestation by 2030. This would give Ireland self-sufficiency with regard to timber.
Regarding the grants and the bias in favour of conifers or broad leaf trees at present, if one native oak is felled, 50 oaks are planted. Conifers are not the environmental beasts they were portrayed to be. The conifer is an environmentally friendly plant, but there is no bias towards conifers. If farmers are asked to plant, for economic reasons, they choose the timber which will give them the best benefit. That is commerce. However, I stress, because it is not as well known as it should be, that we signed up to the Kyoto agreement which obliges Ireland to reduce its carbon emissions by 2006. It is questionable whether our economic activity will achieve that, but the planting of conifers will achieve it.
I am delighted the Minister said the planting of conifers will help to achieve the target. I hope that will be the case. Will the Minister considering asking the Department to give instructions that all planting in national and public parks should involve broad leaf varieties? This would go some way towards increasing the strength of the broad leaf sector. However, for commercial use, the conifer appears to be our only hope.
That is a reasonable assessment. I do not want to give the impression that I favour conifers over broad leaf trees because both can co-exist happily together. However, as I indicated, I intend to introduce a native woodlands scheme. It is also my intention to introduce an urban forestry programme where woodlands would be planted in or near provincial towns. I assure the Deputy that the native woodlands scheme and the urban forestry programme will involve mainly broad leaf trees.
Well done.
