andMr. Conlon asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry his proposal for the development of afforestation particularly in view of the potential in this area.
Written Answers. - Afforestation Development.
667.
An annual planting target of 10,000 hectares continues to be the overall policy objective. However, it has been accepted that, in the short term, pending an improvement in the reserve of plantable land for the State afforestation programme and an acceleration of private forestry, an annual State planting programme (including reforestation) of 7,500 hectares — to be augmented as much as possible by private planting — would be the most practical policy. Private planting is being actively encouraged through the operation of planting grant schemes and a free technical advisory service. The question of utilising available funds to the best advantage with a view to bringing about a significant increase in the area of marginal land that can be secured for afforestation, is at present under consideration.