Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:11 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has in respect of further development of urban afforestation projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10591/96]
Written Answers. - Urban Woodland Scheme.
I am committed to developing urban forestry, wherever possible, for the benefits of those living in cities, towns and villages throughout the country. This is consistent with my intention of ensuring that we generate as wide a range of social and economic benefits as possible from our national forestry programme.
On 3 March 1996, I launched a new scheme called the urban woodland scheme. The aim of this scheme is to support the establishment or development by local authorities of woodlands in or near centres of population for the purpose of public enjoyment and recreation. The scheme covers woodland improvement and/or the establishment of new woodlands on land owned or managed by local authorities and also the provision within such woodlands of a variety of public recreational and amenity facilities such as seats, signs, litter bins, picnic tables, playground equipment, etc.
My Department has been in touch with local authorities throughout the country to promote this scheme and I am looking forward to receiving many applications over the coming months. My emphasis in both the urban woodland scheme and its sister-scheme, the amenity woodland scheme, is on supporting quality projects which will clearly have positive local impact. My Department will provide up to £4.5 million in support of projects aided under both schemes up to and including 1999.