Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1280. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 20% additional broadleaves required in the new forestry programme under the new forest types can be only one broadleaf species or if a variety of broadleaf species are required under the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1747/24]
View answer1281. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 20% additional broadleaves required under FT12 can comprise only one broadleaf species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1748/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1280 and 1281 together.
Under the new Forestry programme under certain Forest type selection, it is possible that the broadleaf component may consist of an appropriate singular species or variety of broadleaf species.
As part of the assessment process that my Department undertakes for afforestation applications, the site productivity is evaluated. This is completed by using a method that includes giving existing vegetation on site combined Reaction plus Nitrogen (R+N) values.
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.
Broadleaf trees planted to fulfil the 20% requirement must satisfy the rules underpinning the relevant Forest Type they are being planted under (e.g. FT 1 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 that the trees are being planted into, and must be protected and maintained as necessary.
