Dáil debates

Thursday, 14 July 2022

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Forestry Sector

9:20 am

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is astonishing to hear the Minister of State say that she has made incredible progress in meeting the targets, because the figures speak for themselves. National afforestation rates have decreased since the formation of this Government. It is one of the reasons I voted no confidence in the Government this week. The service is currently reaching a dismal 25% of the target.

For the first six months of the year, only 297 afforestation licences were issued. That is 43% behind the Department's own target. Significant and ongoing delays in processing and making licence decisions are a major cause. Also, the sector has identified that afforestation incentives are not competitive with other farm subsidies and schemes. The Department's policy is discouraging farmers from planting more trees. The ambitious milk target in Food Harvest 2020 was met in 2017 and the beef target was met in 2011. However, at its highest, only 50% of the forestry target was reached, and it is closer to 20% today. Reports from the sector are clear, that the Government's forestry policy is dismal and there is little sign that anything will change.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.