Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and his officials for attending. The Minister of State said that while the overall objective is to have 8,000 ha per annum but we are reaching only 5,500 ha. He did not provide much detail about how he plans to address that and increase the amount involved. He referred to different communications and campaigns but in recent years the area planted has been less than the target. In particular, considering that 8,000 ha per annum forms a key part of our climate change and sequestration targets, unless there is some radical change it is difficult to see how those objectives will be met. I would appreciate it if he could supply a little more detail on the thought process in the Department in that regard.

Previous speakers have thrashed out the issues regarding Sitka spruce and the single-species plantations that are happening. What is the Department's thought on increasing the plantation of broadleaf trees, which are more biodiversity-friendly? What are the pros and cons from point of view of carbon capture? It is my understanding that it is much slower and takes longer. In addition, it does not pay off to the same extent. There is no doubt that Sitka spruce the single-species plantations lay waste to many of the areas planted the necessary biodiversity simply is not there. Biodiversity is present when there is a greater focus on broadleaf trees.

It is projected that, post 2030, there will be a significant drop in the contribution that our national forest cover can make in the context of reaching our targets. This is because we are approaching a cliff edge regarding the amount of forestry that is due to be harvested up to the early 2030s. What is the Minister of State's view on that and how will it affect the contribution of forestry in the context of our climate change objectives?