Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 1

Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

159 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the information available to his Department on the levels of autumn forestry planting in view of the reports of non-approval of planting proposals for 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26294/03]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

193 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason there has been such a dramatic drop in new forestry planting approvals in 2003; and his views on whether this is an unwise policy. [26297/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 193 together.

Following consultation with the forestry sector it was agreed that the funding available this year should be targeted primarily on the afforestation programme which would allow for planting of approximately 10,000 hectares. Approvals in respect of this amount have already issued. Approvals in respect of a further 2,000 hectares also issued this year on the basis of payment in 2004.