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Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022

Tuesday, 25 January 2022

Questions (679)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

679. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consult with farming organisations that are currently undertaking a survey on forestry management in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2908/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy may be aware, a national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed as part of the work carried out in Project Woodland.

This new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027. An extensive public consultation process on the new strategy has commenced and I would encourage anyone interested in forestry to participate in this process.

Direct bilateral meetings between my Department and key stakeholders have commenced as part of this engagement exercise, and invites continue to issue to stakeholders on an ongoing basis. Farmers, as the main private landowners, are, of course, key in this process and farming organisations have therefore been identified as key stakeholders for direct engagement and dialogue.

My Department looks forward to meeting with farming representatives to listen to their views on the proposed draft Vision; learning what their vision for trees and forests is and understanding how their organisation can help to deliver the Vision and Strategy.

The new national Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027 will be the main implementation vehicle of the new Forest Strategy and these bilateral meetings will therefore also be an opportunity for participants to inform my Department what their priorities are for the next Forestry Programme. Bilateral meetings are expected to be completed by May 2022.

In the coming months, my Department is planning to also make available an online public consultation facility where stakeholders can provide more detailed written submissions regarding the new Vision and Forest Strategy. I encourage all farming organisations to engage with this process so that the new Vision for forests is one that is representative of the whole of Irish society.

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