Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 6

Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

157 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of acres of forestry which has been planted in each of the past ten years; if he will have sufficient funds to meet all the demands for planting in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26987/02]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The number of hectares of forestry grant aided by the Department over the past ten years is as follows:

Year	Hectares
1993	15,998
1994	19,355
1995	23,710
1996	20,981
1997	11,403
1998	12,928
1999	12,668
2000	15,695
2001	15,464
2002	16,000 (Estimated)

As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 110 on 12 December, I am currently working with all sides of the forestry sector to ensure that the viability of and confidence in the sector is not jeopardised as a consequence of the level of funding available in 2003. I am currently examining mechanisms for focusing the resources available in 2003 on the planting programme.