Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
975. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many afforestation applications have been received to the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 to date; the details of the different afforestation schemes for which submitted applications have been made; how many have been approved and how many rejected, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14257/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 will help to support an increase in afforestation. It offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options. It provides generous incentives to farmers in particular, to re-engage with forestry. These include increases in premia rates ranging from between 46% to 66%, along with a longer premia term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers, across most Forest Types
In addition, the programme contains a new Native Tree Area Scheme, which builds on a recent amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 that removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. This aims to increase and encourage interest in small-scale planting and offers premiums of up to €2,284 for 10 years.
Details of valid applications received and licences approved since the commencement of the Forestry Programme 23 - 27 can be found in the table below:
|
Scheme |
Received |
Approved |
Refused |
|
Afforestation |
667 (6225ha)* |
204 (1581ha) |
18 (110ha) |
|
Native Tree Area |
233 (250ha) |
148 (155ha) |
27 (31ha) |
*Of the applications received, 304 (2885ha) were applied for under the new Programme; the remaining 363 (3340ha) were originally applied for under the old Programme and opted into the new Programme.
The Forestry Licensing Dashboard is published weekly on my Department's website and provides up to date details on all schemes.
