Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
727. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the project afforestation forecast for 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52701/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new National Forestry Strategy and Forestry Strategy Implementation Plan (including the Forest Programme) has been put out to public consultation and they are available to view now on my Department's website. The aim of the new Progamme is to enable Ireland to use its potential for afforestation to help meet its national emission reduction obligations, while at the same time increasing incomes on most farming systems.
The Programme will seek to provide incentives for all landowners, while at the same time placing farmers firmly at the centre of a suite of new and improved forestry schemes. We are currently in discussion with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding funding for the forest Programme and when those discussions have concluded we will publish grant and premium rates.
Considering the voluntary nature of the Scheme, it is not possible to determine the area that will be planted in any particular timeframe. However, there are currently valid licences issued for approximately 7000ha and I would encourage anyone with a valid afforestation licence to contact their forester and arrange planting under the new programme.
Positive messaging around the benefit of afforestation is the responsibility of all, in particular, those with a direct line of communication to farmers and landowners. My Department has agreed a communication plan to accompany the new programme to encourage landowners to make that land use choice and consider the financial, environmental and climate contributions that accrue.
