Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 8

Written Answers. - Tree Planting.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

21 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Energy (a) the number of hectares of softwood trees and (b) hardwood trees planted in 1990; and if he will outline the measures he proposes to take to encourage the planting of hardwood trees.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy)

There were 19,164 hectares of conifers and 382 hectares of broadleaf trees planted in 1990.

New grant schemes, under the forestry operational programme which I launched in July last, increased the maximum rate for broadleaf afforestation to £1,200 per hectare — a 50 per cent increase on the previous scheme.

In addition farmers who plant broadleaves are eligible for a premium of £116 per hectare each year for 20 years.

Furthermore, pilot demonstration projects on the use of native broadleaf species will be considered for funding under the scheme of back up measures. The first pilot project, aimed at urban forestry, where the emphasis will be on broadleaf planting will be launched on 8 March in Limerick.

Finally, under the rural development programme, proposals for a grant scheme to aid recreational forests, again encouraging broadleaf species, is being prepared.

I am confident that there will be a significant response to these initiatives and that the proportion of broadleaves planted can be substantially increased from its current level.