Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2022
262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which afforestation is likely to become a serious part of the economy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18651/22]
View answerThe Irish forestry sector currently contributes significantly to the Irish economy, accounting for an estimated €2.3 billion of GDP and supporting almost 9,400 rural jobs. The current Forestry Programme which commenced in 2015 and has been extended to the end of 2022 provides significant supports for afforestation. This includes grants and premiums for 12 different planting categories to promote a good species mix and covers 100% of the cost of establishing a forest. In 2021, total expenditure by my Department was €69.5 million which includes afforestation grants, annual premium payments and grant aid for forest roads.
As the Deputy may be aware, afforestation levels have been declining in recent years and Project Woodland was established in February 2021 to ensure that the current licensing backlog is addressed and that a new impetus is brought to woodland creation in Ireland. A national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed. This new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027.
My Department is very conscious of the afforestation target of 8,000ha per year set out in the Climate Action Plan and supports will be included in the next Forestry Programme to incentivise afforestation. I am committed to working with all our stakeholders to substantially increase our afforestation rates over the next decade thereby contributing even more significantly to the economy.
