Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
852. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of licences that have been issued for non-commercial, amenity tree planting under section 22 of the Forestry Act 2014. [46357/21]
View answerThe Department has two schemes to support the planting of non-commercial trees – the NeighbourWood and the Creation of Woodland on Public Lands Schemes (CWPL).
The CWPL was introduced earlier this year and aims to encourage public bodies to establish new native woodlands on suitable bare land. Bodies eligible for the Scheme are government departments and State sponsored organisations, Higher Education Authorities, and local authorities. The Scheme has four grant elements, two for planting and two for recreational facilities such as trails and signage and forest playgrounds. There is also a small grant for derelict site clearance. Since the Scheme opened this year, nine applications have been received, which are currently being processed.
NeighbourWood is a long-standing scheme that provides financial assistance to create woodland amenities for local people. Funding is available to help establish woodland on greenfield sites and to support the development of existing sites. NeighbourWoods can be used by the community for strolling, family visits and picnics, exercising and a host of other outdoor activities.
The scheme is available to both public and private landowners who work in partnership with local communities. Since 2016, 12 sites have received grant funding under the NeighbourWood Scheme.
