Vol. 572 No. 6
248 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the area planted in forestry over each of the past three years; and the forestry planting programme which will be completed in 2003 and proposed for the next three years. [23870/03]
The areas planted in the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 are 15,695 hectares, 15,464 hectares and 15,054 hectares, respectively. Reflecting the difficult budgetary situation in 2003 the projected planting outturn for 2003 is 12,000 hectares, of which 2,000 hectares will be paid for out of the 2004 funding allocation. The funding allocation for forestry over the next three years will be determined in the context of the Estimates process for those years.
Government policy for the sector remains as set out in the 1996 strategy, Growing for the Future, and was most recently reaffirmed in the new partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress. Implementation of the strategy over the period to 2030 was costed at €3.95 billion at 1996 values. It is seven years since the strategy was launched and I have directed that it should now be reviewed. This review will reflect the significant changes in the sector as a whole since 1996 and will address, inter alia, the costs and benefits of forestry together with the interaction between forestry and more traditional agricultural land use supports and policies.
249 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the 17% forest cover by 2030 proposed in the 1996 strategy document, Growing for the Future, is still Government policy; and the way in which it is proposed to achieve same. [23871/03]
Government policy for the forest sector remains as set out in the 1996 strategy document, Growing for the Future. Implementation of the strategy over the period to 2030 was costed at €3.95 billion at 1996 values. The Deputy will be aware, however that the planting targets outlined in the strategy are not being achieved.
