P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:43 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to encourage more farmers to plant broadleaf varieties in forestry plantations. [16376/00]
Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.
In March 2000 I announced significant increases in afforestation grants and premiums. The bias in favour of broadleaves which existed under the previous system, whereby broadleaf plantations attracted higher grants and premiums, has been maintained under the revised rates.
In addition, I propose to introduce a native woodlands scheme to enhance and increase the size of our native and semi-native woodlands, which are largely broadleafed.
It is recognised that broadleaves can offer high value-added end uses and often have a high labour content in the specialist furniture and woodcraft areas. They can also replace imports of tropical hardwood timber.