Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.
Trevor Sargent
Question:
175
Mr. Sargent
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
the species of tree used for re-afforestation after clear fell since 1996 to 2000 in terms of hectares planted; the way in which the higher stocking rate for broad leafed trees than conifers compensate for the failure to achieve the broad leaf tree targets; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread disquiet and uncertainties surrounding the interpretation of the Forest Service's biodiversity guidelines and landscape guidelines; if a circular will be issued to all Forest Service officers, applicants for forestry grants and contractors to ensure that the specific protections intended by these guidelines cannot be misunderstood and will be applied uniformly; the way in which the controls outlined in the Forest Service's biodiversity guidelines and landscape guidelines are recorded; the way in which the controls outlined are to be monitored; the protocols that are being put in place to ensure that no further afforestation takes place on poorly buffered soils identified as acid sensitive by the Environmental Protection Agency; and the reason these provisions were not revealed by his Department at the recent information days.
[25214/01]
The estimated area, in hectares, replanted after clear fell is as follows:
|
Year
|
Ha
|
|
1996
|
6,003
|
|
1997
|
6,890
|
|
1998
|
6,985
|
|
1999
|
7,724
|
|
2000
|
8,924
|
Further breakdown by species is not available.
As I have indicated in reply to various previous parliamentary questions, the target of 20% for planting of broad leafed trees, set out in the strategic plan for forestry, is being met. The stocking rate for broad leafed trees ranges up to 250% of the conifer stocking rate and should be taken only as an indication that more broad leafed trees are planted by hectare. It has no bearing on planting targets.
During October, my Department held two information days for stakeholders in the forestry sector on the application of the suite of five environmental guidelines, including landscape and biodiversity guidelines, launched last year. These information days had two primary objectives to inform stakeholders about the content and background to the suite of guidelines, and to receive feedback from those in attendance.
The two days were very successful, both in terms of the number of people who attended and the quality of discussion. There was widespread support at the meetings for the general thrust and content of the suite of guidelines. As a follow up, an information note in relation to clarification of areas for biodiversity enhancement and the method of recording these is being prepared for issue across the sector. I will insist on uniform application of these procedures. Compliance with these guidelines is a condition of grant aid and is monitored by the Forest Service. It is worth noting that virtually all forestry planting in Ireland is grant aided under the afforestation grants and premium scheme and all payments under the scheme are contingent on compliance with the guidelines. Monitoring will be by means of site inspections by the Forest Service inspectorate of my Department.
The issue of further afforestation in areas with poorly buffered soils is being addressed under new afforestation management and environmental procedures which are applicable from 1 October. These new procedures, including the issue of afforestation on poorly buffered soils, were the subject of an information day for all stakeholders in August last. Following consultations with the EPA and COFORD, a protocol on afforestation on poorly buffered soils is being developed and should be agreed shortly.
