Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
749. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is scientifically solid and adherent to silvicultural standards to state that every area to be planted is suitable for growing 20% broadleaves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39867/23]
View answerI would like to assure the Deputy that the 20% broadleaf requirement will be achievable on the vast majority of sites.
The evaluation of site productivity, by using a method that includes giving existing vegetation on site combined Reaction plus Nitrogen (R+N) values, is part of the assessment that my Department undertakes on afforestation applications.
All sites submitted for afforestation under the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 must reach a R+N score of 6 or greater. This will ensure that all sites will have a baseline level of fertility suitable for the growing of broadleaf trees, including ‘pioneer’ species such as birch, rowan, alder and willow. Such species are also observed regenerating naturally on many site types, when browsing pressure is not a restrictive factor.
Regarding silvicultural standards in the new Forestry Programme, broadleaf trees planted to fulfil the 20% requirement must satisfy the rules underpinning the relevant Forest Type they are being planted under (e.g. FT1 Native Forest). If planted as additional broadleaves within a plot dominated by conifers, (e.g. FT 12), the species selected must be suited to the immediate site conditions the trees are being planted into, and must be protected and maintained as necessary. This may require the use of deer shelters and / or the replacement of mortalities.
While presenting a challenge on some sites, my Department offers the availability of additional resources such as tree guards via the Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer fencing scheme.
