Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which it is expected to reach published targets on forestry; when the plan commenced; when it is expected to achieve the proposed targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18727/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published a Forestry Licencing Plan in December 2023 which outlines our strong commitment to issuing licences in 2024. The Plan provides for annual targets for the issuing of licences.
We are working towards the priorities outlined in the Plan. My Department estimates that we will issue 4,200 new forestry licences of all types in 2024. This is made up of 1,000 afforestation licences, 650 Forest Road licences and 2,550 Felling licences. Specifically addressing afforestation, I believe my Department now has the capacity to issue sufficient afforestation licences to meet the annual target of 8,000 hectares of new forests.
This is however contingent on receiving enough applications to achieve this goal. It is also worth noting that there is 3,071 ha in total, currently available for planting under Afforestation Schemes. I am confident that the attractive and increased rates under the new Programme, coupled with 20-year premiums for farmers, will encourage strong uptake of afforestation options.
To date in 2024 we have approved 157 afforestation licences, 303 roads licences and 581 felling licences for a total of 1,041 licence approvals.
Other approvals under the Forestry Programme during 2024 have also been progressed. Year to date approvals under the new Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme (RADs) are continuing, with 329 approvals issued representing 1,216 Ha’s. Under the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS) there have been 154 approvals processed, representing 159 Ha’s.
