Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
31. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the target for afforestation in 2023; the number of hectares of new afforestation to date; and if he intends to revise this target. [34735/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Deputies may be aware the new and ambitious €1.3bn Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will replace the previous Programme which expired at the end of 2022. The new Programme will benefit farmers, rural communities and the overall climate and environment. Subject to State Aid approval from the European Commission and the completion of the ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment/Appropriate Assessment (SEA/AA) process, this will support the largest, most farmer-friendly investment in forestry in the history of the State.An afforestation target of 8,000 hectares per year has been set out in the Climate Action Plan. In recognition of this target and of the need for planting activity to continue during the State Aid assessment of the Forestry Programme, my Department engaged with the Commission last December to secure an interim solution. This resulted in the launch of the interim Afforestation scheme. Under this scheme those with valid licence approvals issued before the end of 2022 could avail of the current planting season under the higher grant and premium rates proposed to be paid under the new Forestry Programme. Under these new rates forestry premiums have increased by between 46% and 66%, and in addition farmers receive 20 years of premium payments, compared to 15 years of premium payments for non-farmers.
A potential 7,000 hectares were eligible to opt into the interim Afforestation scheme. A total of 288 applications have been approved representing 1,750 hectares. Of the 1,750 hectares approved for afforestation, we have received notifications that almost 1,213 hectares of planting has completed, and that planting has commenced on a further area of 244 hectares. It is clear therefore that 8,000 hectare target will not be reached this year, however I remain confident that the attractive and increased rates under the new Programme, coupled with 20 year premiums for farmers, will encourage strong uptake once the Scheme is launched. I expect that this will continue in the years ahead as the benefits and complementary nature of forestry to farming is better understood and as communities and public authorities engage with the new Programme.
