Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
224 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will supply a list of the broadleaf species planted near rivers, roads, and scenic areas in 1997 — 2003 which it was stated had been planted in addition to his Department’s statistics which include all broadleaf plantations and broadleaf elements of conifer plantations when the latter is required. [11312/04]
View answerIn recent years almost all afforestation sites incorporate some element of broadleaf planting. The broadleaf species, which are normally planted near rivers, roads and scenic areas are oak, ash and rowan as was the case for the period in question.
225 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will provide a breakdown distinguishing between afforestation on peat soils and those planted on mineral soils according to the grant application forms in 1997-2003 in order to accurately assess the contribution of afforestation to carbon sequestration. [11313/04]
View answerThe information requested is not readily available. However, it should be noted that the contribution of afforestation to carbon sequestration uses an averaging approach to take account of differences in rates of carbon emissions and sequestration between mineral and peat soils. Current scientific opinion is that emissions of carbon dioxide from peat following afforestation may be balanced by reductions in emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas which has a far greater effect on global warming.
I would also point out that planting of peat sites has declined to very low levels since the early 1990s due to a site productivity requirement for grant aid and the general shift to farmer based afforestation.
