Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the ongoing forestry development programme continues with due regard for the necessity to use marginal lands as opposed to lands suitable for food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8608/24]
View answerI am pleased to advise that following the receipt of State Aid approval from the European Commission and the conclusion of the relevant environmental processes, the €1.3bn funded Forestry Programme 2023-2027 was adopted by Government on the 06th September 2023. The new afforestation scheme also opened for applications on this same day.
The afforestation scheme 2023-2027 does include new application requirements when compared to its predecessor. These have been introduced to address environmental sensitivities and to restrict afforestation in certain areas as agreed with the European Commission during the State Aid approval process.
The Forestry Programme includes an annual afforestation target of 8,000ha and contains a number of attractive forest establishment options to help to support this ambition. The afforestation scheme under this programme offers landowners a choice of 12 different Forest Types, covering a broad range of planting options. These include for example, Native Woodland, Continuous Cover Forestry, Emergent Forests and Agro-forestry.
To achieve our afforestation targets, farmers in particular will be encouraged to re-engage with forestry, whilst also emphasising the complementary nature of forestry to farming. The afforestation scheme contains generous incentives, such as increased 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.
In addition, last October my Department launched a new Native Tree Area Scheme, which builds on an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 that removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. This scheme aims to increase and encourage interest in small-scale planting.
I would highlight that the use to which private owned land is put to is, subject to the law, a matter for the owners of that land. Afforestation is a voluntary land use choice for landowners. However, I am confident that the attractive and increased rates under the new Programme, coupled with 20-year premiums for farmers, will encourage strong uptake of these afforestation options. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve our targets in a sustainable manner to provide lasting benefits.
