Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2017
53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether his Department is not sufficiently supporting small scale coppice management of existing hedgerows and woodlands on farms (details supplied); his plans to use existing funding not currently being availed of for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47041/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoppice management is a traditional form of woodland management in Ireland, dating back centuries, and is associated with high native woodland biodiversity and the production of material suitable for local consumption, for example firewood, craftwork and cottage industry end-uses. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these woodlands have been neglected or exploited in the last century or two, and have lapsed as functioning coppice woodland to form high forest canopy.
My Department’s Native Woodland Conservation Scheme supports the protection and enhancement of existing native woodlands. The restoration of these former coppice or coppice-with-standards woodland to active coppice management is an eligible operation under this scheme. To date, every valid application under this scheme has been approved.
My Department also supports the growing of timber for wood fuel under the Forestry for Fibre grant and premium category. Forestry for Fibre provides financial assistance to landowners who want to plant trees for use as domestic fuel or as an energy source generating heat and/or electricity. Trees planted under Forestry for Fibre can be harvested in 10 – 15 years, generating yields of between 150 – 300 cubic metres per hectare. This rotation is significantly less than conventional forestry where conifer forests mature between 35 and 40 years.
My Department continues to support the planting of new native forests under the afforestation scheme. Under this scheme the entire cost of establishment is covered by the grants available. Furthermore, the highest level of premiums are paid for native woodland establishment where annual premiums of €635 per hectare is available to landowners for 15 years. Further improvements to this grant and premium category have been proposed under the midterm review in order to further encourage landowners to plant native woodlands.
