Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 March 2004
98 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of acres of land that has been planted for forestry on each of the last ten years; the number of acres that he can fund in 2004; if he has satisfied himself with the progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8228/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of hectares of afforestation grant-aided in each of the last ten years is as follows: 2003 — 10,000 ha (estimated); 2002 — 15,054 ha; 2001 — 15,464 ha; 2000 — 15,695 ha; 1999 — 12,668 ha; 1998 — 12,928 ha; 1997 — 11,403 ha; 1996 — 20,981 ha; 1995 — 23,710 ha; 1994 — 19,355 ha.
These figures for the area grant aided would closely represent the acreage planted in each year. I am confident that planting levels of at least 10,000 hectares can be achieved in 2004 and funding for this planting has been made available in the estimates for 2004.
