Vol. 482 No. 7
4 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has agreed a phased reduction in sitka spruce planting to a level of 70 per cent by the year 2000 with Coillte; the current progress, if any, on this matter; and if this target will be achieved. [19195/97]
My Department is committed to a policy of increased diversity of species in Irish forests, including those managed by Coillte Teoranta. This policy is outlined in the Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector, which has been approved by Government. Included in the strategy is an objective of reducing sitka spruce to 60 per cent of total annual afforestation. Diversification is, of course, dependent on the suitability of the site to be planted. The policy is implemented through the Department's afforestation grant and premium scheme, which favours the planting of diverse species and broadleaves. Coillte, as well as other private planters, are participants in the national afforestation programme. The Joint Committee on State-sponsored Bodies, in its report on Coillte Teoranta published this year, recommended that Coillte should agree a programme with the Department for the phased reduction of Sitka spruce planting to a level of 70 per cent by the year 2000.
Coillte Teoranta is a private commercial company in which decisions are taken on a commercial basis. Notwithstanding this, and in view of the Joint Committee's recommendation, my Department is engaged in ongoing communication with Coillte
Teoranta on this issue. The company has recently assured the Department that it is committed to a reduction in the percentage of Sitka spruce planted annually, where it is commercially viable to do so. The achievement of this objective is very much related to land intake and the quality and the suitability of that land for the planting of Sitka spruce. However, every effort is being made by Coillte to achieve its objectives. My Department's grant and premium scheme, which I referred to earlier, will be used to encourage progress by Coillte in this regard.
I welcome the Minister of State's intention to abide by the objective of 70 per cent planting of Sitka spruce by the year 2000. The Department of the Marine and Natural Resources and its predecessors were too lax with planters over the years. More than 85 per cent of our plantations seem to comprise Sitka spruce. Is the Minister of State aware that some financial experts say that, if current trends are anything to go by, more than 50,000 jobs will be lost in western Europe by the year 2000 in the pulp and paper industry because of a slump in demand? Paper pulp is what most Sitka spruce is designed to become. If that is the case would the Minister of State consider substantially improving the grants for native broad leaf species?
It appears that many of the Sitka spruce plantations were located in mountainous regions where elderly people resided. No consideration was given to the fact that the spruce was blocking out daylight for those people. I make particular reference to the Borlin Valley in my own constituency where permission was given recently to a non-national to plant 300 acres of the valley with Sitka spruce. In the coming five years that will cut out the light of day for the inhabitants of the Borlin Valley basin. The Department should get its house in order with regard to planning regulations for such plantations. Most of the plantations are owned by non-nationals.
It is well known that Sitka spruce plantations affect animal and bird life and make it impotent. This is doing a great deal of harm. The Sitka spruce variety is perfect if kept under control but I would not like a situation to develop where elderly people will be living in conditions where the curtains will effectively be drawn all the time due to forestry conditions.
I remind the Deputy that long statements are not permitted during Question Time.
I welcome Deputy Sheehan's comments. As I know he is not given to exaggeration I take on board his comments in relation to the 50,000 jobs, the birds, bees and animals.
Sitka spruce is a most attractive commercial species because it grows particularly well in Ireland, having a growth rate well in excess of the EU average. It is also suitable for most sites.
Sitka spruce timber is suitable for a wide variety of end uses such as structural timber, fencing, pallet wood and pulp wood. Consequently, it must remain a major part of our forest plantations.
The level of Sitka spruce planted by Coillte was 82 per cent in 1995 and 79 per cent in 1996. Coillte Teoranta is a private, commercial company in which decisions must be taken on a commercial basis. I can advise the Deputy that it is quite likely that the target of 70 per cent will be reached and perhaps surpassed by the end of this year.
Will the Minister of State consider substantially raising the grants for native broad leaf species in order to encourage planting?
Improvement in grants for the afforestation programme are under consideration. The Deputy's precise suggestion will be taken on board and I agree wholeheartedly with his comments.
Does the Minister of State agree with the stipulation that an environmental impact assessment must be carried out on a plot in excess of 70 hectares? Does he agree that Coillte and the other planting bodies must be sensitive to local communities? I attended a meeting last week where I met the people of Glenanaar and Moanmore in Ardpatrick. They forcefully made the point that if Coillte proceeds with planting in that area 12 households will be entirely surrounded by forest. The Minister of State would doubtless be concerned if the greed for profit and enhanced percentages of Sitka spruce were to lead to flight from a local area and dislocation of its people. Has the Minister of State any direct control over Coillte and the other private planting bodies in relation to these issues which may lead to population decline?
Coillte is a private limited commercial company. In my negotiations with Coillte I found that, by and large, it is possible to arrive at a compromise in areas of controversy. I accept the Deputy's comments in relation to the need for sensitivity to local people who would like to continue living in a particular area. I also agree that the "light of day" to which Deputy Sheehan referred earlier should not be blocked out.
In my capacity as Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources with special responsibility for forestry I visited Finland recently. Houses there are built in the forests. I accept that is not the situation here. I am very conscious of people's rights and in order to achieve some sort of compromise with communities my Department officials are liaising with county council planning officers. That is the road we must take.
The Minister of State said that Coillte is a private company. Can I take it he will talk to Coillte with regard to people's concerns which may, in turn, lead to a population decline? There is an inherent security factor involved in areas where much afforestation occurs and where elderly people live.
I reiterate that the Forestry Act, 1988, established Coillte as a private limited commercial company.
I am aware of that.
I accept what the Deputy is saying and I will speak to Coillte. In discussions I have had with the company I have found that it is possible to reach agreement on these issues. I am conscious of what the Deputy says, having visited forests around the country.
The Minister referred to Coillte as a private company. Will he clarify that Coillte is a State-owned company and that, being the main shareholder, the degree to which the Minister for Finance may influence Coillte is significantly greater than the Minister of State appears to be indicating?
Do planning authorities adopt a uniform approach where planning permission is sought for extensive plantations? It is my understanding that some insist on wider margins. Has the Minister considered whether there should be a uniform approach?
I understand that Coillte consults the planning authority only when the development is in excess of 150 acres. Where forestry development is very close to a residence, it is imperative that the planning office is consulted with a view to proper planning.
Regarding Deputy Gilmore's question, Coillte is a semi-State company and the Minister for Finance, having the greater number of shares, has an input. Discussions are ongoing in that regard and I am quite satisfied with progress to date. They will continue in light of what I have met in the industry and what I have heard today.
In regard to Deputy McGinley's question, to date there has not been uniformity of planning. It is essential that all should be treated equally, and Department officials are visiting county councils and planning authorities with a view to achieving that.
On Deputy Ferris's point, it is my intention that Coillte, farmer planters and company planters should find themselves on a level playing pitch and that people living locally are treated properly at all times. If we are to progress a very exciting programme of afforestation we must have everyone on side. I want to make a success of this and to see that nobody is discommoded by the activities of the people involved.
