Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
947. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an applicant is precluded from receiving a grant in respect of the reforestation of a parcel of land if a grant was not obtained for the original afforestation of that land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5597/21]
View answerIn general, there are no reforestation grants available on clear fell, regardless of whether an afforestation grant was paid on the plantation in the first place. All felling licences carry an obligation to replant the site once felled.
Under certain conditions replanting grants are made available as part of the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme. However, an application must be made for this Scheme, before any tree felling takes place and a valid tree felling licence must be in place for any felling carried out under the scheme. Under this scheme, the conversion of existing conifer forests to native woodland are eligible for grants of up to €5,000 per hectare. Private forest owners are also eligible for an annual premium payment of €350 per hectare for 7 years.
To receive this funding, the conifer forest must be adjoining a sensitive watercourse where native woodland establishment can contribute to the protection of water quality and aquatic habitats and species. Water sensitive areas include Freshwater Pearl Mussel catchments, fisheries sensitive areas, Acid Sensitive Areas, and high-status waterbodies identified under the Water Framework Directive.
Where a marketable quantity of timber is realised from the felling operation, the quantity (in cubic metres) of timber must be documented and details submitted to my Department, together with evidence of timber-related income (including invoices and receipts). My Department may reduce the grant payable, accordingly, reflecting the value of the timber realised and (where relevant) the normal costs associated with standard replanting.
