Vol. 560 No. 1
146 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will consider the provision of grant assistance for the first thinning of deciduous forests, which were initially planted under the afforestation grant scheme; and if the forestry service is researching methods by which this thinning process for hardwood trees can become more mechanised and where a market is best developed for the thinning products. [27063/02]
Under current European regulations, grant assistance cannot be provided for thinning of forests. However, the mid-term review of the rural development plan to be undertaken in 2003 will afford an opportunity to look at the possible introduction of such a grant. The National Council for Forest Research and Development, COFORD, is currently carrying out a research project called BroadForm based at the Teagasc Research Centre, Kinsealy, County Dublin. The objectives of this research project are to determine the best regimes to produce top quality broadleaf timber and to critically examine all aspects of shaping, tending, and thinning. COFORD is also currently researching a guide to the utilisation of hardwood timber and expects to issue a report later this year.
147 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the reduced estimate for afforestation will mean that grant assistance will only be available in 2003 to planting projects that have already been committed; his projections of the breakdown between coniferous and deciduous grant aided plantation in 2002; and the expected mix in 2003. [27062/02]
Final out-turn for 2002 planting is not yet available. However it is estimated that 15,000 hectares were planted of which up to 20% approximately consisted of broadleaves. My Department is committed to achieving a broadleaf planting target of 30% of total planting by the end of 2006 and I expect that the broadleaf mix in 2003 will reflect progress towards that objective. In relation to the proposed programme for 2003, I would refer the deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of today's date.
148 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on progress on the 1996 forestry strategy, Growing for the Future, in view of recent annual national planting figures and recent budgetary changes. [1836/03]
Growing for the Future: A Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland was published in 1996 and was the first publication of its kind for Irish forestry. The aim of the strategy is to develop forestry to a scale and in a manner which maximises its contribution to national economic and social well-being on a sustainable basis and which is compatible with the protection of the environment.
At 1 March 2002 some 91% of the actions listed in the strategy had been implemented or were being implemented. The strategy is now seven years old and my Department will be undertaking a review which will cover, inter alia, planting and funding levels. Among the areas foremost in my thoughts as part of any review of the strategy will be ensuring that all three pillars of sustainable forest management, namely the social, environmental and economic aspects of forestry, are adequately and equitably addressed.
