Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 4

Written Answers. - Forestry Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

86 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which his Department directs the forestry industry to make maximum use of species that are eco-friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28947/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey):

The Government's forestry policy as set out in Growing for the Future – A Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland, is to increase Ireland's forest cover from its current level of 9% of land area to 17% by 2030. This strategy is to be achieved by planting approximately 20,000 hectares of forestry per annum. The planting programme is supported by a generous grants and premium package co-financed by the European Union.

My Department is committed to the achievement of a 30% broadleaf planting target by 2006. However it is a question of the right tree in the right place. My Department's guidelines to the industry underline that soil and site as well as species determine the rate of forest growth and, consequently, the potential for carbon storage. There is also a positive bias in favour of broadleaves in that they attract higher rates under the current grants-premium package.

The projected significant increase in afforestation will assist in countering the increase in greenhouse gases. Forestry is the only economic activity that can contribute to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Conifers are particularly well suited in this regard. These species play a significant role as a carbon sequestrator. It is estimated that on average one hectare of Sitka Spruce absorbs 3.3 tonnes of carbon per year while broadleaves absorb 1.3 tonnes per year. Over its rotation one hectare of conifers will remove approximately 100 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere, making conifers exceptionally efficient in combating the greenhouse gas effect.

The national climate change strategy identifies the key role to be played by forestry in carbon sequestration. COFORD, the Council for Forest Research and Development, is carrying out extensive work in the area of carbon sequestration with a view to maximising the sequestration potential of Irish forests.