Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016
782. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for afforestation on marginal ground, given that it has completely stopped due to the requirement to have 80% of green ground and 20% of marginal ground to obtain grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12741/16]
View answerThis Department has proposed to remove the 20% rule on land proposed for afforestation. In April, it initiated a public consultation process on this and the related draft Environmental Requirements for Afforestation. The closing date for this consultation was the 23rd May 2016, and the Department will study the feedback received before making a decision on the 20% rule.
