Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 2

Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

35 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 17 October 2000, (details supplied), the percentage of broadleaves in the areas restocked in 1998 and 1999; if these figures can be incorporated into the reply to that question; and if the 20% broadleaf planting target set out in 1996 is being met. [1515/01]

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

The details requested in hectares in respect of areas replanted are as follows:

Year	Total	Non-Diverse Conifers	%	Diverse Conifers	%	Broadleaves	%
1998	6,985	5436.4	78	1406.6	20	142	2
1999	7,724	5961.7	77	1619.3	21	143	2

The Deputy should be aware that the 20% broadleaf planting target as set out in the strategy for the sector published in 1996 covers afforestation or new planting only and does not cover replanting of harvested areas. Much of the area replanted in 1998 and 1999 was on poorer quality soil and is not capable of producing broadleaves. I assure the Deputy that the broadleaf planting target set out in 1996 is being met.