Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

130 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of broadleaves which were planted in 2000 and funded through his Department and the European Commission as agreed under the CAP 2000-2006 contract. [1112/02]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

131 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason the broadleaf planting rate recorded on his Department's database fell from 15.1% to 12.9% in 2001. [1113/02]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.

A total of 2,027 hectares of broadleaves were grant aided by my Department in 2000. This figure represents the planted area of commercial broadleaves and is equivalent to 12.9% of total planting. However, as I indicated in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 57 of 11 October 2001 the data does not include broadleaves planted near rivers, roads and scenic areas. When these factors are taken into account the target of 20% for broadleaf planting was met in 2000.

Within the broadleaf figure for 2000, in absolute terms, the level of commercial broadleaves grant aided increased over 1999. However, in percentage terms there was a decrease. This was mainly due to the non-availability of sufficient land suitable for broadleaves. While the availability of suitable land may fluctuate from year to year it is expected that the recent increase in premium levels will lead to planting figures approaching targets while also making better quality land available.

I am fully committed to achieving a 30% broadleaf target by 2006. I propose commencing a review later this year which will examine the factors necessary to meet this target as outlined in the CAP rural development plan 2000-2006.