Dan Boyle
Ceist:325 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the ratio between deciduous and hardwood trees; and the way in which he intends to improve this ratio in favour of hardwood trees. [16934/03]
Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.
At the end of 2002, the national forest estate contained 21% of deciduous or broad leaf trees. In 1990 the level of new broad leaf planting was as low as 2%. The strategy for the sector, Growing for the Future, published in 1996, set a target of 20% for broadleaf planting. Under the CAP programme 1993-99, the level of broad leaf planting increased dramatically reaching 20% in 1997. The broad leaf planting rate in 2002 was 23%.
With regard to increasing the level of broad leaf planting the way ahead is outlined in the CAP rural development plan under which my Department is committed to reaching a planting level of 30% for broad leaf trees by the end of 2006. My Department is confident that this target will be achieved. As outlined in the CAP Rural Development Plan 2000-2006, progress is being recorded on a regular basis. In 2001 my Department launched the native woodland scheme and the neighbourhood scheme, both of which promote the planting of broad leaf trees.