Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
851. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the anticipated timeline for the introduction of the small-scale tree planting initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22773/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas through the vehicle of the Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022.
On 4th April 2022, the new legislation was signed into law by the president. This amendment was necessary to remove the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. It is my objective to increase and encourage interest in small scale planting and I am confident that this change to the Act will remove a barrier to such planting.
The exemption for the creation of up to one hectare of native woodland would be available through a scheme which my Department now intends to design and implement. The development of the scheme will be undertaken following the completion of a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, subject to the findings of both assessments.
It is hoped that such a scheme will contribute to the stated policy goal of incentivising small-scale tree planting and of re-engaging farmers with afforestation. The scheme will be drafted in the next three months and will involve stakeholder consultation.
