Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the new programme, we have pre-application discussions for applicants to help clarify issues and what it means for them. These discussions get them over much of the hump. We are also rolling out training for departmental officials and foresters. It can be online. I believe it will be in person with the foresters from next week. We are cognisant of bringing people up to speed so that they are fully aware of the implications of the new programme and the changes from previous programmes.

We will need to plant all types of tree. Conifers will play a significant role. We need to support this sector, particularly with a view to the construction sector. I attended an event today that was enlightening as regards the value that timber can offer in building. We have established the timber working group to examine what we need to do as a State to embrace timber. We export the majority of our timber. While that is great, it would be better to see more of it being used in our own country. That is what we aspire to, so we will need lots of conifer trees.