Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
890. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is concerned about the viability of the forestry nursery sector, given the repeatedly low levels of afforestation in recent years, compounded by limited afforestation for 2023 and the suspension of various support schemes with the new programme not being ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6610/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe recently secured funding of €1.3 billion for the Forestry Programme 2023-2027. Subject to State Aid approval, this will support the biggest and best-funded Forestry Programme to date in Ireland. This funding provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees that can provide a valuable addition to farm income and also to help meet our national climate and biodiversity objectives.
In 2022 we saw a significant increase in the issuing of afforestation licences, with my Department issuing 702 afforestation licences for an area of 4,972 hectares. Valid unused Afforestation licences are being extended until the end of 2023 to give landowners every opportunity to plant and they will attract increased premium rates and a longer term of 20 years for farmers.
In relation to the new forestry programme my Department is actively engaging with the Commission with a view to securing full State Aid approval as soon as possible.
In terms of afforestation and road applications which were applied for before 31st December, 2022, but not issued, we are continuing to process these so that they can transition into the new Programme as seamlessly as possible when it opens.
