Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
910. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of afforestation applications awaiting a decision by his Department; the number of those applications which are for GPC3 planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9983/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Department has published a Licensing Plan for 2022. It includes a commitment to double the number of licences issued from 502 for over 4,200 hectares in 2021 to 1,040 licences in 2022.
There are currently 846 afforestation applications on hand awaiting decision. Of these, 466 include at least one plot to plant GPC3. A forestry licence can, of course, have more than one GPC included in the application.
