Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 2

Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

53 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the total number of trees planted by species in both the public and private sector in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17606/01]

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

The total area of afforestation grant-aided by my Department during the year 2000 was as follows.

Conifers	Area (ha)
Sitka Spruce	9,335
Scots Pine	654
Norway Spruce	1,449
Other Conifers, including, Japanese Larch, Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Lawson Cypress, Western Hemlock and Western Red Cedar	2,230
Broadleaves
Oak	328
Beech	42
Other broadleaves, including Ash, Birch and Sycamore	1,657
Total	15,695

In addition, a further 7,500 hectares, approximately, was reforested following clearfell under licence. A breakdown of species is not available in respect of this area. There are no statistics available in my Department in respect of non grant aided tree planting but the level of such planting for commercial purposes is likely to be very limited. However, a significant amount of environmental tree planting is undertaken by local authorities and Dúchas.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

54 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the total amount and value of timber harvested, by species, in both the public and the private sector in the past 12 months; the extent to which such timber was used in the home market and in exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17607/01]

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

Coillte Teoranta's total invoiced sales for 2000 amounted to £66.52 million, rep resenting a volume of 2,731 cubic metres. The species involved were as follows:

Species	Volume
Sitka Spruce	1,895,046
Norway Spruce	209,130
Pines	487,368
Other	139,356
Total	2,730,900

I estimate the above figures could be increased by an additional 4% to allow for non-Coillte output.

Approximately 48% of timber produced is ultimately exported. This figure includes the timber residues and pulpwoods used by Irish Board Mills, who export board products across Europe.

Questions Nos. 55 and 56 answered with Question No. 42.

Questions Nos. 57 to 59, inclusive, answered with Question No. 43.