Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2017
222. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a limit on the planting of the non-native Sitka spruce here in view of its documented negative environmental impacts; his further plans to introduce incentives for the planting of trees which do not have such harmful effects on ecology and biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30453/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s afforestation scheme comprises 12 different planting options, from commercial Sitka spruce to native woodland to agroforestry.These options can be applied for side-by-side within the same application, to create a farm forest that serves several functions, e.g. forestry for fibre to supply domestic fuelwood to the household, new native woodland to help buffer a sensitive watercourse adjoining the farm, and stands of Sitka spruce, to provide the commercial 'heart' of the farm forest enterprise. Within this mix of options, grants and premiums are deliberately favoured towards broadleaves. For example, the native woodland categories receive the highest level of grant and premium available.
Within areas planted with Sitka spruce (typically under Grant and Premium Category 3(GPC3)), various rules apply to mitigate any environmental impact and promote positive attributes. For example, such areas require a 10% additional broadleaf requirement, whereby native trees are positioned alongside public roads, along water setbacks and visible landscape edges, to soften any negative impact. Afforestation within GPC3 is subject to adherence to a wide range of measures, ranging from checks regarding protected habitats and species, to required setbacks along public roads, dwellings, watercourses and archaeological sites, to requirements regarding drainage and cultivation, fertiliser application, to contingency planning.
In addition, any application for planting under GPC3 is subject to the requirements under the Forestry Regulations SI191 of 2017, whereby a full assessment is required by the Forest Service. This assessment includes evaluation by a professional forester, referral to third parties such as NPWS, Inland Fisheries Ireland and local authorities, the application of Appropriate Assessment and EIA screening, and public consultation. The Forest Service can also seek further information if this is needed to enable the assessment process to proceed. Other procedures and requirements, such as the Land Types for Afforestation system, the Acid Sensitivity Protocol and the Freshwater Pearl Mussel Requirements, also apply.
These and other measures ensure that any afforestation, including that with sitka spruce, is undertaken in a way compatible with the protection of the environment. Given the improvements made to rules governing the establishment of new forests following the introduction of the new environmental requirements my Department does not envisage setting limits to the planting of Sitka spruce.
