Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 9, between lines 26 and 27, to insert the following:“(k) undertake the protection of woodlands on areas less than 0.1 hectares.”.

The section to which we are referring to here relates to the specific functions of the Minister. With this amendment, I seek to add that the Minister, in addition to all his other duties - which go right through the alphabet as far as "k" - would "undertake the protection of woodlands on areas less than 0.1 hectares". The Minister has already communicated his enthusiasm for that and we look forward to his report in January.
I am informed by botanists that we have a problem with woodlands in Ireland. Native woodland is dominated by the mainly broadleafed, native tree species. It is a semi-natural habitat with historical and ecological links to the original wild woods that preceded it. It is a vital reservoir of biodiversity, as well as being of high cultural significance and amenity value. That covers less than 1% of the land area and the remainder is the plantation forest, which is dominated by non-native coniferous trees and now covers about 10% of the State. Its direct commercial value as timber is far greater, but its biodiversity, cultural and amenity value is far less than that of the native woodland. It is native woodland on the sites less than a hectare that is of concern.
I think the Minister is already there in spirit, but it may be necessary to state in legislation that that is one of the things for which he as Minister will be looking out. I know he is already looking out for it, but the problem, as defined to me by some botanists, is that we have put many resources into the 10% and the 1% is really valuable. If much of it is in units of less than 0.1 hectare, society as a whole will support the Minister in that it should be under his care. There is a duty of care here. I do not think it imposes any particular obligations on the Minister, but within his strategy statement, so to speak, the protection of woodlands should also, in view of biodiversity and climate change, have the benign attention of the Minister.