Vol. 571 No. 1
750 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if approval will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo to plant their lands in view of the fact that the applications were submitted in June 2002; when they will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20349/03]
The two applications relate to afforestation grant aid and are currently being considered by the forest service of my Department. Following receipt of the applications in June, the forest service requested on 3 July 2002 that acid sensitivity tests be carried out and the results supplied to the Department. These were submitted to the Department on 21 August 2003 and are currently being assessed by the forest service inspectors. If the applications satisfy the criteria for approval by the forest service on technical, environmental, etc., grounds, they will be looked at further when the situation with regard to funding for next year is clear.
751 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department provides grant aid for the provision of access roads through forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20351/03]
The forest service of my Department provides grant aid for the construction of development and harvesting roads. Due to the limited funding available for the forestry programme it was not possible to meet all requests for funding for roads this year.
The road funding scheme will be looked at again when the situation with regard to funding for next year is clear.
752 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will extend the length of the forestry plantation scheme for persons who planted their land in 1989 to compensate them for the fact that they are ineligible to avail of the increased payments in line with persons who entered subsequent schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20352/03]
The forest premium for farmers scheme which operated between 1989 and 1993 contained provision for payment of premiums to farmers over a 15 year period in respect of conifers and 20 years in respect of broadleaves.
In the current budgetary situation I see no prospect of an increase in the duration of the premium period in respect of this scheme.
