Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2021
776. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 291 of 20 October 2021, if the afforestation scheme is classed as an environmental scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61443/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe afforestation scheme under the Forestry Programme 2014 - 2020 provides a range of multi-functional benefits which contribute to our national economic, environmental, recreational and societal objectives. The afforestation scheme provide for funding for different types of forests including productive forests, agroforestry, forestry for fibre, and native woodland establishment.
It has, of course, strong environmental credentials and is part of the Government's direct response to our national environmental priorities through its inclusion for example in the Climate Action Plan 2021. It is for this reason that we are planning for a renewed National Forestry Programme to replace the current version and which is currently under development along with a new national Strategy for Forestry to 2050.
