Vol. 526 No. 5
17 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the level of new forestry planting proposed by his Department for the next five years; the species of tree planting proposed; the cost in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26417/00]
Current projections of the level of afforestation over the next five years are as follows: 2001 – 16,000 hectares; 2002 – 18,000 hectares; and 2003-05 – 20,000 hectares per annum. The cost of afforestation over the period is estimated at approximately £390 million, which is provided for in the rural development plan 2000-2006.
Planting in recent years was as follows: 1998 – 12,928 hectares; 1999 – 12,668 hectares; and 2000 – estimated 15,000 hectares. While it was substantial, it was below target. Measures to boost afforestation levels in the years ahead include the substantial increase of approximately 30% in the financial incentives for new planting which I negotiated with the European Commission earlier this year, together with my ongoing discussions with the Commission to secure adequate increases for those who planted in earlier years, and the provision for closer integration of forestry and REPS contained in the rural development plan.
In accordance with the plan, broadleaf planting is forecast to increase to 30% of annual planting, compared with approximately 20% in recent years and 3% in the 1990s. The balance will be made up of conifers, including diverse conifers.
Is the Minister confident that the programme can be fulfilled? If not, will moneys that would normally accrue to the State not be available from the EU? In other words, if the money is not drawn, will we be unable to get it under any other heading?
Being an optimist, I will not even consider not reaching the target, although it is a possibility. If the targets are not met with regard to hectarage, the moneys could be put towards an increase in planting grants. However, I am extremely keen, particularly from the point of view of climatic change, to use forestry to improve the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. The conifer has the greatest ability to do that. It acts as a lung and releases oxygen into the air. An interesting statistic shows that the average tree, if there is such a thing, will be able to provide sufficient oxygen for a family of four for one year.
The projection for planting trees will depend on how the other lines in agri culture progress in the next few years. They all impinge on the amount of land that will become available. However, the Government must show concern and consideration for the people who did commit themselves to forestry over the years. Newcomers to the industry will take note of how they are treated.
With regard to planting in designated NHAs, SACs, SPAs and God knows how many other "As" there might be, will the Minister give an undertaking that under certain conditions farmers who own such properties will be allowed to grow trees on them, if only for the environmental reason the Minister just mentioned? He will be aware that there is almost a blanket ban on planting by farmers who own land in these designated areas.
As I indicated at the outset and since I took office, it is my intention to achieve the targets without upsetting anybody, particularly Dúchas. We have a close association with Dúchas. In the event of an individual having a difficulty in that regard, we facilitate discussions with Dúchas and, by and large, the problems are worked out.
The Deputy referred to land availability and projections, although the Fine Gael Deputies are probably discussing projections of another nature at present.
Projections for trees.
Wooden, perhaps, but not trees. We are dying to know the result.
The Deputy is well used to these things.
With regard to land availability, every farmer is aware that forestry is a real alternative and a good option. In no other sector is there a tax free income for 20 years.
However, the farmer can never change his mind.
