Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
292. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department initiated contact with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the next forestry programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52194/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra293. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that his Department officials began discussions with all other Departments and the European Commission in a timely manner to ensure that there will be no delay in launching the next forestry programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52195/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra294. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any delay by his Department in launching the new forestry programme will impact negatively on planting, and therefore affect climate action afforestation targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52196/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra295. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new forestry programme 2023-2027 will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52198/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 292 to 295, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has recently published a Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050. A new Forestry Strategy for Ireland is currently being developed. The draft Forest Strategy to 2030 has been shaped by the extensive public feedback received on the Vision over the last twelve months. This draft Forest Strategy will be subject to a period of public consultation which is due to commence this week.
My Department is also currently developing a new Forest Strategy Implementation Plan which will include the next Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027. There has been engagement with stakeholders and the public on the next Forestry Programme, which will go to public consultation through the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment process this week.
Having secured an additional €12 million in Budget 2023 for Forestry to reach a total budget of €112m, my Department is currently in detailed discussion with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to agree new grant and premium rates for the next Programme in order to incentivise the necessary levels of planting for Ireland to meet its afforestation targets. This continues a dialogue which I started earlier in the year. In parallel we are discussing the proposed Programme with the European Commission. I will be updating all stakeholders on developments as these.
