Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
352. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the small scale tree planting proposal as outlined by him in the Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 is and will be regarded as afforestation and subject to the consent regime as detailed in section 1.5.1 of a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36960/22]
View answerThe Government has the stated policy goal of incentivising small-scale tree planting and of re-engaging farmers with afforestation. Key to the success of increasing afforestation rates is to build confidence among landowners of the benefits of forestry as a viable option to complement existing enterprises.
The changes introduced as part of the Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, allow the introduction of Regulations to facilitate small scale planting of native tree areas without the need to first obtain an afforestation licence, any approvals issued under such a scheme will count as afforestation.
