Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I welcome the fact that she has met with representatives form SEEFA. In the context of the extensive engagement she had, I presume those she met raised with her the concerns that exist regarding the significant area of land that is ineligible, particularly when it comes to peat soils. The latter removes a large chunk of the west of Ireland from consideration. We have obtained various maps from the Department to show where each of the restricted areas is located. I would like to see them all on one map. That is what is needed. In a reply to a recent parliamentary question, the Minister of State said that map will be published.

This year, we are again nowhere near the target of 8,000 ha. I welcome the funding for and the premiums relating to the forestry programme. If the land cannot be planted, then the money will not be much use. I am concerned that farmers and landowners in the areas to which I refer will have to go to huge expense to get studies done in order to ascertain whether their lands are eligible. That is a concern.

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