Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022
742. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that the new forestry programme will be in place from 1 January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47893/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department has recently published a Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050. A new Forestry Strategy for Ireland is currently being developed. The draft Forest Strategy to 2030 has been shaped by the extensive public feedback received on the Vision over the last twelve months. This draft Forest Strategy will be subject to a period of public consultation, which is due to commence in the coming weeks.
In parallel, my Department are also currently developing a new Forest Strategy Implementation Plan which will include the next Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027. The Forest Strategy Implementation Plan is subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment/Appropriate Assessment process, and this will include public consultation on the draft Plan and Environmental Report. We expect that this consultation will commence in the coming weeks.
In parallel we are discussing the proposed programme with the European Commission and with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). Within that context, we are aiming for a launch date of 1st January 2023 for the Programme.
