Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004
101 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself with the uptake of the forestry planting scheme for 2004; the plans he has to promote uptake of the scheme for the remainder of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4936/04]
View answerAn additional 31% funding is being made available to forestry in the Estimates provision for 2004 and given the renewed interest in forestry as a viable and profitable land use, I believe the planting of at least 10,000 hectares will be achieved.
There are applications for planting in respect of some 17,000 hectares in the system at present of which the majority have been processed and last week I announced increased funding for the support programmes in such areas as forest roads, reconstitution, native woodland and the neighbourwood scheme. In all, €6 million will be spent on these schemes in 2004.
I intend making every effort to encourage farmers and landowners to consider the forestry options this year and will be actively promoting planting through Coillte, Teagasc, the forest service and the various private sector bodies involved. A generous financial provision, including tax free payments and an effective support regime, is in place to enable the sector to achieve its full potential and to sustain a significant level of planting this year.
