Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
53. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether a close to nature model of forestry is likely to be adopted as policy in the new forestry strategy currently being developed through Project Woodland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51555/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Project Woodland was launched in February this year. It has the twin objectives of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the forestry licensing system, and of creating a shared national vision for forestry in Ireland by means of a new forest strategy.
In developing the forest strategy all matters pertaining to the future of forestry in Ireland, including a close to nature model of forestry, will as I understand it, be considered.
The structure of Project Woodland is such that four Working Groups, led by an independent Chair and with stakeholders drawn from the Forestry Policy Group, each deal with a specific aspect of the project. Working Group 2 is developing the national forest strategy, and working collaboratively has made significant progress, securing the approval of the Project Board to a detailed public consultation plan.
This plan aims for an effective and inclusive public consultation process which will now be undertaken as a matter of priority.
There are various stands to this approach. Irish Rural Link has already begun work on a Community Engagement Study on Forestry and Woodlands as commissioned by Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector.
A tender issued in September for the Strategic Environmental Analysis/Appropriate Assessment process, including public consultation on the draft plans and Environmental Report. In addition quotes have recently been sought for external consultants to conduct an omnibus survey of public attitudes to trees, woods and woodlands, and a tender will issue shortly for a survey on the vision for forestry to 2050 and for the next 100 years to 2121.
It is also the intention to hold bi-lateral stakeholder meetings, to undertake a deliberative dialogue in the form of a national event , to convene a Youth Forum and to schedule a National Stakeholder event.
The new Strategy, once formed, will be the enabler of the next National Forestry Programme, which is due to commence in 2023.
I would like to invite everybody with an interest in forestry in Ireland to actively contribute to this consultation process.
It's worth saying that we do have a Close-to-Nature forestry management system as part of the current National Forestry Programme. Grant funding is available for forest owners who want to apply this system, known as Continuous Cover Forestry, under the Woodland Improvement Scheme The scheme provides funding for conversion of existing forests to Continuous Cover Forestry over a 12-year transitional period. Successful applicants are eligible for three payments of €750 for three separate interventions.
I look forward to the outcome of the consultative process which will inform a new vision for forestry in Ireland and which will no doubt encompass views on the close to nature model.
