Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
450. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether in areas where there are populations of wild deer, extra grant aid will be provided under the forestry schemes to provide for the provision of deer fencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53834/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder my Departments Afforestation scheme there is provision made for the protection of trees from grazing animals, including deer. Funding for fencing ideally should be applied for pre-establishment of the forest, at application stage.
The fencing allowance for deer fencing must be approved in advance and will be based on the area enclosed and protected by the deer fence.
Further details of specification requirements and fencing grants available can be found in the Forestry Standards Manual found on my website here: gov.ie - Forestry Standards Manual (gov.ie) - www.gov.ie/en/publication/640f49-forestry-standards-manual/.
My Department also offers the Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer fencing scheme, which can provide support for the establishment of broadleaves which occur in areas of high deer pressure, to protect and enable their successful establishment. This scheme can also provide funding where deer damage has occurred post establishment and fencing is advisable to protect against further damage. Details of the Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme can be found here: gov.ie - Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme (gov.ie)
Applications for both of these schemes should be submitted by a registered forester.
