Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
468. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department will introduce frost reconstitution in order that young plantations heavily effected by late spring frost can undergo necessary works to get the stocking levels up to an acceptable standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48957/21]
View answerThe Department is aware of the request for a reconstitution scheme in response to frost damage on young plantations for woodland owners affected by frost events experienced in 2019, 2020 and again in 2021. Surveys for frost damage in affected forests have been conducted by the Department. We are continuing to consider the case for such a scheme and hope to be in a position to clarify our position shortly.
The timing of any such scheme must be examined in the context of resource implications given the current challenges faced in terms of forestry licences. The licensing system and the implementation of Project Woodland are our absolute priorities and all efforts are focused on maximising the number of afforestation, felling and forest road licences issued.
