Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2017
221. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will make the 10% reforestation figure for broadleaves mandatory; his plans to raise this level to ensure that more native broadleaf tree species are planted here; his further plans to introduce measures to incentivise the planting of native broadleaf species over non-native conifers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30452/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's plans to increase broadleaf planting and in particular to increase native woodlands is currently being undertaken within the context of the midterm review of the Forestry Programme 2014 - 2020. In March 2017 a public call for submissions was made to look at how the afforestation scheme can be improved to increase broadleaf planting. A total of 26 submissions were received which are now being examined. A draft series of proposals will be prepared and circulated to stakeholders in early July 2017.
With regard to reforestation, this represents an opportunity to restructure existing forests and to undertake broadleaf (including native woodland) planting in response to various sensitivities such as water, biodiversity, landscape, public roads and adjacent dwellings. Various measures are set out in the Felling and Reforestation Policy document to ensure that all reforestation is sensitively designed and that the opportunity to reforest with broadleaves is realised. Consequently there are no plans to make it mandatory for forest owners to plant 10% broadleaves at the replanting stage.
