Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2005
114 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to the recent Bacon review of the forestry sector, the proposals her Department intends to pursue to develop the sector, particularly in reaching the planting target set out in the programme for Government 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13999/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review and appraisal of Ireland's forestry development strategy undertaken by Peter Bacon and Associates supports a planting target of 20,000 hectares per annum, as set out in the programme for Government. The report also comments that a lesser planting target could be a viable basis for support, providing the planting is undertaken in a manner that maximises the non-timber benefits.
The report by Dr. Bacon will form a key component of an overall review of our forestry strategy, to be carried out later this year, when the position regarding the proposed new rural development regulation becomes clearer. This regulation, which will cover the period 2007-13, is currently being negotiated in Brussels.
The schemes which are currently in place are extremely attractive, offering 100% grants for planting and substantial annual premiums. In addition, the concession obtained in relation to the stacking entitlements vis-à-vis the single payment scheme, make forestry a very attractive land use option for farmers.
