Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Questions (634)

Michael Lowry

Question:

634. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a voluntary agreement was brought forward by a section or sections of the private sector using woodland carbon code as the basis for calculating sequestration rates; if that would preclude afforestation grant and premium support payment by his Department whilst accepting there is a distinct separation between the rights and value of carbon and the said grant support and also accepting the carbon accounting and reporting must be clear to avoid double counting for reporting purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37971/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine does see potential opportunities to attract private finance from voluntary carbon markets. Forest owners and organisations can avail and develop these opportunities as long as they don't impact on Ireland's international accounting and reporting requirements. 

The level of grant aid, premiums and tax incentives currently provided by the Department does take into account the level of income foregone, as required under state aid rules. However, the aim of the Department is to encourage land owners to plant more woodlands. The current Woodland Environment Fund includes a mix of private finance and state aid to part fund the establishment of forests and this model has worked well. The main focus on any future and existing programme will be to examine funding models with purpose of encouraging woodland creation. Voluntary carbon markets have the potential to provide additional incentives and this can only benefit woodland expansion.