Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Afforestation will play a key role in climate change mitigation; the Minister has acknowledged this. It has been a huge cost for us to have missed our afforestation targets in Ireland in recent years. Over the past five years, we have missed planting targets by more than 15,000 ha. Had this area been afforested, these forests had the potential to remove 5.4 million tonnes of carbon. This is a major missed opportunity.

Furthermore, afforestation for 2021 will be approximately 2,000 ha, which is well below where we should be. Simply put, as the Taoiseach knows, not enough licences are being granted to plant land and increase our current record low levels of afforestation. The Taoiseach also knows we are now in the planting season. Last week, forestry workers were outside the gates of Leinster House protesting because they want to get to work. I stand in solidarity with them. If the Department can only administer a 2,000 ha programme, what changes will we see to immediately address the licensing crisis to ensure future targets are reached? How will farmer confidence be restored and meaningful afforestation be incentivised?

See this speech in context