Written Answers - Native Woodland Scheme.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:
168
Mr. Ferris
asked the
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources
the types of trees covered and promoted by the native woodland scheme; and if it is intended to expand the scheme to include other trees which may not originally have been native to Ireland, but which would fall into a similar category in Britain.
[6009/03]
Martin Ferris
Ceist:
169
Mr. Ferris
asked the
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources
his views on whether the native woodland scheme as administered by the forestry service has been beneficial; his further views on whether it would be vital not only that the scheme should continue, but that it should be expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6010/03]
Martin Ferris
Ceist:
170
Mr. Ferris
asked the
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources
his views on the way in which the Government can meet its international obligations under the national biodiversity plan, the habitats directive, the convention on biological diversity and the Kyoto Protocol if the native woodland scheme is curtailed, rather than expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6011/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 170, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government recently made very difficult choices in the area of public finances. In making these decisions, the Government was not in a position, much as it would have liked, to make as much money available for all programmes as we would all wish to see across the whole range of public expenditure. Consequently, the funding available to my Department for the coming year will be less than would have been expected. This does not take from the strong commitment on the part of the Government, as articulated in repeated programmes for Government, to forestry policy in Ireland.
The native woodlands scheme was developed by my Department with a significant input from organisations with an interest in Ireland's native woodlands such as Woodlands of Ireland; Duchas, the heritage service; central and regional fisheries boards, the Heritage Council, COFORD and environmental non-government organisations. The scheme represents a further step in my Department's implementation of the principles of sustainable forest management in Ireland and will serve to enhance the diversity of our woodlands. The scheme will continue to operate in 2003, albeit with a reduced budget.
The following trees are covered and promoted by the native woodland scheme: alder, silver birch, downy birch, ash, sessile oak, pedunculate oak, scots pine, hazel, hawthorn, spindle, holly, crab apple, aspen, wild cherry, blackthorn, eared willow, goat willow, rusty willow, elder, rowan yew and guelder rose.
Other native species may also be acceptable on a case-by-case basis after consultation with my Department. It is not intended to expand the species list under the scheme to include trees not native to the island of Ireland as this would be counter to the scheme's basic objective to promote native woodland ecosystems.
Ireland remains committed to meeting its international obligations. The forestry programme has been identified as having a significant role in the national plans arising from the Kyoto Protocol and the convention on biological diversity.
The habitats directive is an EU directive which is applicable in Ireland. The native woodlands scheme is one of the elements which may assist in meeting our obligations under the directive.
