Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1288. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to move away from large-scale monoculture of fast-growing species such as sitka spruce towards mixed, diverse forestry, with a wider range of forest types such as short rotation, longer rotations, agroforestry and semi-wild; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38050/23]
View answerIreland has now, for the first time, a Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests until 2050. The Vision is informed by extensive consultation with the public and with stakeholders, and has in turn informed the development of a new Forestry Strategy for Ireland, which I was delighted to publish last week.
The Strategy is an ambitious one, and acknowledges the wishes of those consulted to see more diverse types of forests established. It will result in a more heavily forested country with multi-functional and diverse forests delivering multiple benefits for climate, nature, wood production, people, communities, the economy and rural development.
The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will be the primary means through which the Vision and the Strategy are delivered in the short term, with a funding commitment of €1.3 billion.
Under the Programme, the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027, which opened on 6th September, will offer landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options. The annual broadleaf target has also increased from 30% to 50% of total annual planting. This is reflected in a substantial increase of 66% in premium rates for the establishment of a native forest, as well as five additional years of premiums for farmers across most Forest Types.
A 20% broadleaf species component is now mandatory for all mixed forest types, including Sitka spruce, thus supporting increased biodiversity and habitat linkages. Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) is also now being mainstreamed and offered as a Forest Type, meaning that landowners who decide to plant can establish forests in accordance with CCF principles.
Agroforestry was first introduced to Ireland’s forestry support schemes in 2015, and the new Afforestation Scheme will increase the period for premiums from five to 10 years. To date support has targeted the establishment of silvopastoral systems which combine forestry and pasture, including grazing and the growing of fodder. It is proposed to expand this in the next Forestry Programme with pilot schemes for silvoarable and forest gardening systems.
Emergent Forest is a further new Forest Type offered under the Afforestation Scheme. This will support the retention and appropriate management of suitable areas of ‘scrub’, which represent an important biodiversity feature within the landscape, with the potential for delivering many ecosystem services.
I am confident that the diverse range of forest types, coupled with attractive grants and premiums, will support landowners to plant trees in a manner that will provide lasting climate, biodiversity, wood production, employment and wider societal benefits.
