My Department compiles a number of different afforestation statistics annually, which are made available on my Department’s website. The level of broadleaf planting as a percentage of new planting nationally for each of the years 2010 to 2017 and to end September 2018 is indicated below:
|
2010
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
2014
|
2015
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018 (to end October)
|
Broadleaves
planted as % of total national planting
|
38%
|
37%
|
31%
|
24%
|
22%
|
20%
|
20%
|
21%
|
26%
|
The following suite of proposals was included in the mid-term review, to encourage more landowners to plant broadleaves:
- A 7% increase in grants and a 5% increase in premium rates for broadleaf and diverse conifer planting categories;
- Increase in the minimum mandatory broadleaf requirement per site from 10% to 15%.
- Additional support for broadleaf management in the form of a second thinning grant;
- Tree guards and deer fencing grants are being introduced as part of a new “Forest Fencing and Tree Shelter Scheme” to reduce the risk of deer damage for existing broadleaf forests.
- Agro-forestry premiums have been increased from €280/ha to €615/ha with the grant rate increased from €3,950/ha to €5,750/ha.
Since these measures were introduced in early 2018, an increase in broadleaf planting can be observed and it is expected this will continue into 2019.