Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022
760. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date that finalised details of the new forestry programme were shared with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; if either Department awaits further information from his Department on the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48312/22]
View answerMy 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. We expect that this consultation will commence in the coming weeks. As the Deputy is aware, sanction will be required from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) to launch the new Forestry Programme. My Department are actively engaged with DPER on this matter and the final draft of the Forestry Programme will be provided to them in advance of the public consultation. A Cost Benefit Analysis of the Programme is currently being finalised, which my Department will share this with DPER also.
