Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2017
27. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will liaise with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to put in place a community led afforestation project, co-ordinated by local authorities across the country, to increase tree cover as part of the effort to tackle climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21110/17]
View answerThe Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 includes two schemes where Local Authorities are themselves eligible for funding to establish new forests. These are the afforestation scheme and the neighbourwood scheme. Under the afforestation scheme Local Authorities can apply for establishment grants which cover 100% of the cost of planting bare land. Under State aid rules however, Local Authorities are not eligible for annual premiums.
On the other hand the neighbourwood scheme has been designed specifically with Local Authorities and communities in mind. Applications can be submitted by Local Authorities on behalf of community groups or by community groups themselves working in conjunction with Local Authorities. The scheme supports the development of attractive close-to-home woodland amenities (or ‘neighbourwoods’) for public use and enjoyment and includes a planting component where new forests can be established on green field sites.
Neighbourwoods can be used by people of all ages and abilities on a regular – often daily – basis, for strolling, family visits and picnics, walking-the-dog, ‘power-walking’, jogging, and a host of other outdoor activities. Also, local schools often use them as an ‘outdoor classroom’ for young people to learn about nature and the environment. Typical facilities include entrances, car parking, a variety of looped footpaths, information signage and waymarkers, nature trails, and seats and picnic tables. A neighbourwood can be a stand-alone amenity, or can be linked into other amenities and attractions in the area, such as parkland, historical buildings, visitor attractions and wider walking or cycle routes.
So far under the Forestry Programme 14 applications have been received for funding under this scheme, three have been from County Councils and one from a city council. My Department would like to encourage more Local Authorities to take part in this scheme and in line with my Department’s “Promotion Plan for Forestry” all local authorities will be contacted in order to raise awareness of the Neighbourwood scheme. Furthermore, the Midterm review of the forestry programme 2014-2020 will look at all aspects of the 11 measures included in that programme, including neighbourwoods. I will ensure that the discussions that are due to take place in relation to this work will include the Deputy’s proposal for a community led afforestation project, coordinated by local authorities.
