Liam Kavanagh
Ceist:41 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline his plans for afforestation in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Afforestation Plans.
Afforestation by the private sector in 1990 is expected to reach 8,500 hectares. Coillte Teoranta plan to afforest 6,388 hectares this year but the company will also be involved in other planting activities, particularly reforestation, which will put their total planting programme well in excess of 10,000 hectares.
I have recently launched a forest premium scheme to encourage increased afforestation by farmers. A number of other incentives to promote afforestation are currently under negotiation with the European Commission in the context of an operational programme for forestry under the National Development Plan.