Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
644. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if areas of tree planting proposed in the next CAP of three plants per eligible hectare will be included in the Government's accounting of afforestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59784/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll forests planted that are 0.1 ha or more in size are accounted and reported under the land use category called “forestry” for greenhouse gas reporting by the EPA.
Forests are defined as areas which are 0.1 hectares or more in size and which have the capacity to reach at least five meters in height and with a minimum canopy cover of at least 20%. Ireland uses this definition as defined in the LULUCF regulation, that is forest areas are defined as 0.1 hectare in size, to account for all forest plots that meet, these criteria.
The target of 8,000 hectare new afforestation per year as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021 will include all DAFM tree planting measures that are 0.1 hectare in size or more.
This target will include forestry programme tree planting measures and any potential other tree planting measures supported through the CAP Strategic Plantings that meet the 0.1 hectare or more in size definition.
