Afforestation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004

Tuesday, 6 July 2004

Ceisteanna (118)

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

147 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Question No. 107 of 27 May, and in view of the fact that the State funds reforestation that comprises more than 10,000 hectares a year and that much initial afforestation was planted in acid sensitive areas before the effects were known, if reforestation is subject to the acidification protocol and to his Department’s suite of guidelines on the protection of water biodiversity. [20254/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The State does not now fund reforestation. The 10,000 hectares referred to by the Deputy is Coillte reforestation which has never been grant aided. All reforestation is subject to compliance with the Department's national forest standard, code of best forest practice and the forest service suite of environmental guidelines.

Question No. 148 answered with QuestionNo. 131.