Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023

Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Ceisteanna (759)

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

759. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the deer tree shelter, hare and deer fencing schemes are currently available to applicants about to commence afforestation projects who without such supports are at a serious financial disadvantage; if he will agree to providing the deer tree shelter, hare and deer fencing scheme grant retrospectively for applicants who erect tree shelters during the afforestation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39981/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am pleased to say that the Afforestation Scheme under the new 2023-2027 Forestry Programme opened for applications on the 6th of September 2023, and in tandem we are opening the Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme this week.

Applicants who wish to use deer shelters will need to receive written approval under the Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme prior to commencement of the work, as grants cannot be paid retrospectively.

Question No. 760 answered with Question No. 740.