Vol. 557 No. 4
302 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the current acreage under forestry throughout the country; the area planted in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22594/02]
At 31 December 2001, the total area of lands under forestry stood at 665,000 hectares approximately. It is estimated that the area of afforestation grant aided by my Department in 2002 will be of the order of 15,000 hectares.
303 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which due regard is had for established enterprises or communities in the context of the programme for afforestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22595/02]
The afforestation programme provided for under the CAP rural development plan is subject to the consultation procedures outlined in S.I. No. 538 of 2001, entitled "European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment), Regulations, 2001". This involves consultation with prescribed bodies and in certain cases with the public.
