Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
775. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is funding available for the maintenance of an oak plantation that is 150 years old and has significant environmental benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31004/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the Department's Native Woodland Conservation Scheme (NWS) is to support the appropriate restoration of existing native woodlands in order to promote Ireland’s native woodland resource and associated biodiversity. NWS creates opportunities for implementing traditional forms of woodland management that form part of our countryside heritage, including coppicing. Other important benefits include landscape enhancement and cohesion, the strengthening of the cultural and historical heritage associated with Ireland’s native woodlands, and the provision of local amenities and opportunities for woodland interpretation and environmental education. The grant available under NWS is €5,000/ha and an annual premium of €350/ha is also payable for 7 years.
Applicants must engage a forester listed as a NWS Forester on the Forest Service List of Registered Foresters (as indicated by the entry ‘Yes’ in the ‘NWS’ column - see www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/forestservicegeneralinformation/ ).
The scheme document can be found at https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/forestry/grantandpremiumschemes/2016/NativeWoodlandConservationSchemeSept15050117.pdf.
Financial support for the oak woodland may also be available under the Department’s Seed Stand and Seed Orchard Scheme. This Scheme is aimed at improving the management and conservation of registered broadleaf and conifer seed stands included on the 'National List of Basic Material' so as to increase the frequency, quality and volume of commercial seed production and collection. Grant-aided seed stands must produce seed, as verified by the Department, at least once during the 7 year contract period, or evidence must be provided that due to climatic conditions seeding has not occurred at a level to justify collection. Funding available under this scheme is €725/ha.
Applicants seeking support under the Seed Stand and Seed Orchard Scheme must engage a forester listed on the Forest Service List of Registered Foresters The scheme document can be found at https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/forestry/grantandpremiumschemes/2016/SeedStandSeedOrchardScheme150818.pdf.
