Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
949. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 5,250 licences his Department will issue in 2022 will fulfil the needs of the forestry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7784/22]
View answer950. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the metrics used by his Department to formulate the projected targets for forestry licensing for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7785/22]
View answer951. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 1,040 afforestation licences projected for 2022 will deliver the 8,000 hectares of afforestation required to meet climate action targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7786/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 949 to 951, inclusive, together.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020, and this was the starting point for developing a more ambitious plan for 2022. This plan for 5,250 licences in 2022 represents an overall increase in licensing of 30%. It provides for a 100% increase in output for afforestation licences. In addition the overall number of licences in respect of private felling, roads and afforestation will be increased year on year by 48%, while Coillte felling licences will maintain the level they achieved in 2021.
In terms of felling, in 2021 2,877 tree felling licences were issued for approx. 8.5 million cubic metres. On foot of this I understand that the sawmills had a good year in 2021. As regards the coming year, Coillte had their contract event on 17th November, with sawmills receiving 50% of their supply of Coillte generated logs for 2022. In addition to this, sawmills are taking in a steady supply of logs from private felling sites. Critically, the volume of felling licences issued has stabilised the market in this regard. Our plans to maintain the number of felling licences issued to Coillte and to increase the number of private felling licences in 2022 will, I believe, meet the needs of the sector and will exceed the projections of the COFORD All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast.
As regards afforestation I would like to assure the Deputy that achieving the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan of 8,000 hectares is a priority for me and my Department. I am more than aware of the need to engage farmers and landowners with forestry to achieve this.
Improving licencing output has a role to play in building confidence amongst farmer and landowners, and in increasing the demand for licences for afforestation and that is why we have a target of 1,040 afforestation licences for 2022. We are fully committed to increasing the efficiency of the licensing system and work underway under Project Woodland in terms of the review of the regulatory framework and of our business processes is aimed at helping us to achieve better and more responsive delivery.
We do, however, need to address the broader issue of increasing the level of interest in planting. In 2021, for example, there were 502 afforestation licences issued. Those licences would have facilitated planting of over 4,200 ha but only 2000 hectares were planted in 2021. This low conversion rate to planting is of concern and needs to change. We are this week writing to applicants with unused licences to remind them that their licence is still valid and to encourage them to consider using them before their approval lapses. It is important that positive messages around planting are communicated and this is the responsibility of all in the sector, especially those in direct contact with farmers and landowners.
The introduction of an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 to facilitate small scale tree planting without the need for a licence may appeal to certain landowners and will widen the options available for planting.
In addition to the above, through Project Woodland, the Department is currently preparing for comprehensive engagement and public consultation that will take place over the next three months on a shared national vision for the role of trees and forests and on the development of a new forest strategy. Significant progress has already been made. A national public attitudes survey on afforestation has been undertaken. Irish Rural Link have been engaging with communities across Ireland. Bilateral engagements are ongoing with key stakeholders. In the coming months there will also be an online public consultation facility available where stakeholders and the public can provide detailed written submissions regarding the new Vision and Forest Strategy.
The new Forest Strategy will set out a clear plan of action that will align with our climate action commitments. The next Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027 is currently being prepared and this will be the main implementation vehicle for the strategy. The role of trees and forests will play a vital role in meeting our climate action commitments and the Forestry Programme will provide funding to encourage an increased uptake of a wide range of afforestation measures to meet this.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, we are committed to delivering a forestry sector that will benefit farmers, the environment and the economy.
