Forestry Sector

Tuesday, 13 February 2024

Questions (484)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

484. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine , further to Parliamentary Question No. 472 of 23 January, if the total sitka area planted for the period 2010 to 2023 of 39,791.78 ha includes open space or a bio area which would reduce the actual planted sitka area by a further 15%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6108/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am happy to clarify that the total figure for Sitka Spruce planted excludes associated areas of biodiversity (which are digitised out) and is the actual area planted. This area may however include areas of open space which are not digitised, such as set-backs for watercourses, and those are attributed to the species planted.