Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 April 2024
135. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commit to commencing an immediate review of the forestry programme, given that more than six months have now passed since the programme's inception and the persistently low levels of uptake by farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18237/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has committed to undertaking a mid term review of the current Forestry Programme in 2025. This will be conducted in consultation with all stakeholders. Depending on the outcome of this review, certain proposed changes may be required to be notified to the European Commission under State Aid Rules. These resulting agreed changes will be implemented prior to the end of the current Forestry Programme 2023-2027 term.
The new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 aims to encourage a substantial increase in afforestation by offering attractive and diverse options for planting, especially for farmers. This government has committed €1.3 billion of funding to the Programme in order to support our national ambition of 8,000 hectares of afforestation per year.
In order to encourage uptake, my Department has engaged in extensive promotion of the forestry options available, including through the funding of 42 stakeholder projects. These projects will promote the Forestry Programme through a wide variety of approaches and will engage with the wider community to highlight the benefits of forests as a source of biodiversity, enjoyment and inspiration.
A targeted media campaign was rolled out across all media and will continue throughout 2024. In addition, my officials are meeting regularly with professional foresters to provide information and any training needed.
Minister of State Hackett has established a Forestry Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC) to make contributions to the development and implementation of the Forest Strategy, including the Forestry Programme. Members of the FSCC have been selected from a broad range of relevant stakeholders. This Committee will establish a range of sub-groups to inform its activities, and in this regard an Afforestation Technical Working Group has been established and will meet regularly.
I recognise that planting at the scale required is a challenge but believe that it is in all our interests to work towards this target. It will require a concerted and united effort from all those interested in forestry across communities, public bodies, the forestry sector and farmers to make this a reality. I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders to facilitate further momentum towards increased planting.
