Forestry Management

Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Ceisteanna (52)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

52. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to establish a special task force to liaise and co-ordinate between his Department and the Departments of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to examine and drive a co-ordinated and coherent plan for utilising and expanding native forestry to maximise its multiple benefits in line with commitments on climate change mitigation, environmental and heritage protection and enhancing biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47045/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department meets regularly with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht on a wide range of forestry issues. There are currently no plans to establish a special task force on native woodlands.

The Native Woodland Establishment Scheme is a key component of Ireland’s Forestry Programme, particularly in realising broadleaf targets and in demonstrating how appropriately-sited and managed forest cover, in the form of native woodlands, can bring a wide range of benefits. My Department is currently carrying out a midterm review of the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 in which a number of new initiatives are being considered to boost the planting of native trees. This may include possible improvements to the Native Woodland Conservation scheme. This scheme aims to enhance and protect existing native woodlands.

Furthermore within the context of the Water Framework Directive my Department is promoting its ‘Woodland for Water’ concept involving the development of new native woodlands specifically created to protect and enhance water quality. We are currently working with the Environmental Protection Agency to identify areas where this approach would have the greatest impact.