Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2017
213. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the removal of the 20% restriction on planting unenclosed land in order that all land that is technically suitable is eligible under the programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45440/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department supports the lifting of the 20% rule and met with the European Commission in December 2016 to seek their approval to do so. After this meeting the Commission sought additional information which was provided and a further meeting is planned in November 2017. To support Ireland’s position, my Department, in consultation with the sector, produced Land Types for Afforestation (March 2016) and following a public consultation process also produced Environmental Requirements for Afforestation (December 2016). Ireland’s position is that these documents combined ensure that only both productive and non environmentally sensitive land is planted in the absence of the 20% rule.
