Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The number of privately owned hectares of forestry planted in each of the past 20 years has been set out in tabular format and will be included in the Official Report. It ranges from 2,954 hectares in 1987 to 6,947 hectares last year. I fully acknowledge the contribution made to the forestry sector to date by private landowners and farmers with the vision to adopt forestry as a viable land use option. I am eager to ensure that even greater numbers will continue to do so in the future.

The Government is fully committed to forestry as evidenced by the allocation of €126 million this year to further the national afforestation programme. At present, approximately 15,000 farmers and landowners are enjoying the financial and other benefits brought about by their involvement in the afforestation programme. For example, in March the Department paid out €52 million to private farm foresters in respect of their annual forestry premiums. This represents a significant cash injection into the rural economy.

Since the significant State and EU supported afforestation schemes came into operation in the early 1980s, more than 226,000 hectares of privately owned forest has been established. I am committed to building on this significant achievement and encouraging further private landowner participation in forestry.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

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