Afforestation Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2010

Thursday, 6 May 2010

Questions (143)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total area of land throughout the country currently owned by Coillte; the extent to which the entire area is under forestry or other development; the specific areas earmarked for or currently utilised for alternative purposes; the nature of any such projects current or proposed; the extent to which any such projects are in accordance with Coillte’s mission statement; the degree to which development plans in respect of Coillte property has evolved otherwise than in consort with the mission statement; the business plan or proposals under way or proposed in respect of Coillte; the plans if any to acquire or sell land or property; the extent to which any such proposals relate to decentralisation; the extent of negotiations, contracts, commitments or obligations implied or otherwise arising from developments in Coillte over the past ten years; the groups, bodies, agencies, personalities or other entities with which Coillte has had negotiations or discussions regarding the operation of future developments of Coillte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18613/10]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The total area of land owned by Coillte is 426,500 hectares with an additional 3,000 hectares on long term lease and 12,500 hectares under the company's management through farm partnerships — this equates to 442,000 hectares. Some 80% of Coillte's land is under forestry. Details are not readily available as to areas specifically earmarked for or currently utilized for alternative purposes.

My Department has been fully apprised of Coillte's mission statement and development plans. Ensuring that specific projects are consistent with the Company's mission statement and development plans is an operational matter for the company, which was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988.

Under the provisions of Section 14 of the Forestry Act 1988, the company submits annually its plans for the sale and acquisition of property. The company's programme for 2010 has been submitted and I am not aware of any proposals in relation to decentralization in this context. Participation in negotiations, entry into contracts and other similar business activities are operational matters. Coillte interacts with a wide variety of public and private organizations. On a strategic level, Coillte is currently participating in the review of state forestry policy currently being undertaken by my Department. One element of this exercise is a review of Coillte's role, functions and operations. The Department of Finance and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are also participating in this review.