Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
119. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific measures he proposes to increase the level of afforestation here in view of the failure in recent years to meet afforestation targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6351/14]
View answerThe provision of funding for the forestry programme in the 2014 Budget at more than €111million will allow, inter alia, for approximately 7,000 hectares of new planting which is roughly in line with current demand. The current Afforestation Scheme provides a range of grants that cover the full cost of establishment of the plantation and payment of annual premiums to both incentivise planting and to compensate for the loss of agricultural activity on the land that is planted. The Afforestation Scheme is a voluntary scheme and is one of a number of land-use options open to landowners.
The development of the new forestry programme, which will be carried out in parallel with a Strategic Environmental Assessment that will feed into the development of the programme at scheme level, will also examine the level of incentives needed to meet afforestation targets. A number of options are currently being explored in the context of this examination including the contract period and rates of premium payable. A public consultation process will take place in June/July 2014 at which point more detail will be made available on the content of the proposed new forestry programme.
The COFORD Council Land Availability Working Group, chaired by Teagasc, is examining a range of issues that affect land availability for forestry, including the issue of planting unenclosed/unimproved land. The outcome of this study will inform future policy options in relation to land usage. In addition, my Department undertakes significant promotional activities, with the assistance of Teagasc, to encourage increased farmer participation in forestry, highlighting the economic, social and environmental benefits of forestry. Teagasc recently held a series of one-to-one clinics throughout the country, offering free, independent advice to any landowner considering the possibility of planting. The level of interest in forestry among landowners was such that 35 extra clinics were arranged in addition to the 39 originally advertised. These promotional activities, together with the opportunities presented by the current timber prices and the developing wood energy sector, should all contribute to an increased interest in planting new forests.
