Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024
269. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry licences applied for in County Monaghan in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; the number issued; the total hectares planted; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6896/24]
View answerThe Afforestation licensing figures for County Monaghan can be found in the table below:
|
- |
No. Applied |
Area (ha) |
No. Issued |
Area (ha) |
No. planted |
Area (ha) |
|
2020 |
12 |
98.24 |
10 |
40.34 |
9 |
30.86 |
|
2021 |
6 |
15.69 |
13 |
127.18 |
5 |
16.56 |
|
2022 |
7 |
26.31 |
9 |
22.79 |
3 |
6.77 |
|
2023 |
1 |
7.48 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
9.59 |
|
Total |
26 |
147.72 |
32 |
190.31 |
21 |
63.78 |
In relation to this table, it is worth noting that licences issued may have been applied for in a previous year, as the licensing process takes time and requires careful assessment of all environmental and silvicultural considerations. Furthermore applicants have three years from approval to plant their forest.
The new Forestry programme 2023 – 2027 will help to support an increase in afforestation. It offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options. It provides generous incentives to farmers in particular, to re-engage with forestry. These include increases in premia rates ranging from between 46% to 66%, along with a longer premia term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers, across most Forest Types.
I encourage all landowners, and farmers in particular, to consider joining the scheme as it provides a complementary income stream to active farmers, and delivers public goods for the benefit of all.
