Vol. 519 No. 2
97 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his Department's policy on the planting of deciduous trees in Ireland; the number of acres planted nationally in 1999; the number of acres planted in County Kerry in 1999; the present level of grant-aid for the different categories of applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13518/00]
The strategic plan for the forestry sector in Ireland, set an annual target of 20% for broadleaf planting. This target has been met on average over the past four years. This compares with annual broadleaf planting of 2% to 3% in the mid 1980s. Grants and premiums under the afforestation scheme are and will continue to be heavily biased in favour of broadleaf planting.
The emphasis now is on increasing the diversity of species planted to enhance the environment and broaden downstream timber processing activities and protect forest health.
Quality of land is crucial in dictating the opportunity for diversity of species. Many broadleaf species are very demanding of land quality while conifer species are more productive on poorer type soils. Land becoming available for planting in County Kerry does not, as a rule, lend itself to broadleaf planting.
The number of acres of broadleaf planted nationally in 1999 was approximately 5,000 acres, while the number of acres planted in Kerry was 153 acres. These figures do not include broadleaf trees planted as part of conifer plantations and broadleaf trees planted near rivers, roads and scenic areas, which amount to an additional 4% approximately of all grant-aided planting.
Following is a note of the current level of grants and premia:
Forest Service
New Afforestation Grant and Premium Rates
The following grant and premium rates are effective in respect of areas planted from 1st October 1999
|
Afforestation |
Maintenance |
Total |
% Increase |
||
|
Grant/Hectare |
Grant/Hectare |
Grant/Hectare |
|||
|
Unenclosed Land |
IR£1,600.00 |
IR£550.00 |
IR£2,150.00 |
40 |
|
|
Enclosed Land |
Non Diverse Conifers |
IR£1,600.00 |
IR£550.00 |
IR£2,150.00 |
26 |
|
Improved Land |
20%Diverse Conifers |
IR£1,700.00 |
IR£550.00 |
IR£2,250.00 |
25 |
|
Diverse Conifers |
IR£1,900.00 |
IR£600.00 |
IR£2,500.00 |
23 |
|
|
Approved Broadleaf Other Than Oak/Beech 100% Stocking |
IR£3,000.00 |
IR£900.00 |
IR£3,900.00 |
30 |
|
|
Broadleaf – Oak 75-100% Stocking |
IR£3,800.00 |
IR£1,200.00 |
IR£5,000.00 |
35 |
|
|
Broadleaf – Beech 87-100% Stocking |
IR£4,000.00 |
IR£1,300.00 |
IR£5,300.00 |
33 |
|
|
IncreasedPremium Rates |
Average %Increase |
||||
|
Afforestation |
Maintenance |
Total |
% Increase |
||
|
Grant/Hectare |
Grant/Hectare |
Grant/Hectare |
|||
|
Farmers – Unenclosed Land |
Per Hectare |
IR£165.00 |
14 |
||
|
Farmers – Enclosed and Improved Land |
|||||
|
Non Diverse Confiers |
Per Hectare |
IR£265.00 |
29 |
||
|
20% Diverse Confiers |
Per Hectare |
IR£308.00 |
32 |
||
|
Diverse Conifers |
Per Hectare |
IR£328.00 |
33 |
||
|
Broadleaf – Ash/Sycamore |
Per Hectare |
IR£348.00 |
26 |
||
|
Broadleaf – Oak/Beech |
Per Hectare |
IR£373.00 |
27 |
||
|
In addition, a supplement of £10 and £20 per hectare will continue to be paid on areas greater than 6 hectares and12 hectares respectively in relation to sites planted by or on behalf of farmers on enclosed land |
|||||
|
*Standard rates for farmer premiums are being introduced for the three land classification areas. This results in higher % increases in “severely handicapped” areas than in “non disadvantaged” areas |
|||||
|
Non Farmers |
Conifers |
Per Hectare |
IR£135.00 |
17 |
|
|
Broadleaves |
Per Hectare |
IR£145.00 |
7 |
||
|
Discussions are continuing with the European Commission in relation to increased premium rates for farmers and non-farmers who planted prior to October 1999. |
