Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
800. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work that his Department is carrying out to vary the species of trees in plantations in Ireland, with a view to encouraging more native species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27249/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to end 2022) contains a target of supporting 30% broadleaf planting annually. An average of 24% broadleaves has been planted during the programming period to date.
The Programme provides significant supports for afforestation and includes 12 different planting categories to promote a good species mix. Six of these 12 planting categories focus on the establishment of broadleaves. It is a requirement that all new afforestation must include at least 15% broadleaves. The earlier years of the Programme saw lower rates of broadleaf planting averaging 20% in 2015. I am pleased to say this figure has increased each year reaching 41% in 2021 and 58% year to date in 2022.
This increase has come about as a direct response to incentives put in place by my Department to encourage the planting of broadleaves. This includes increasing the financial supports available from 2018 onwards following the mid-term review of the Forestry Programme. My Department have also launched the Woodland Environmental Fund and the Creation of Woodland on Public Lands Scheme, both of which incentivise the planting of broadleaves and in particular native trees.
As 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 will be available through a Departmental scheme which is under development.
A national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed. An extensive public consultation process on the new strategy is underway. The new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027. Species diversity will be an important consideration for the new Programme and I am confident that the Afforestation Scheme that will be introduced next year will continue to incentivise the planting of native species.
