Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While the potential of the 80,000 ha needs to be explored, it will probably not convert to anything like that amount of forestry. Similarly, some of the land managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which is publicly owned, may be suitable for the development of native woodlands and many other uses, such as increasing some of the land cover in forestry. This land could also be used to increase the proportion of broadleaf forestry, helping us to meet our target of having broadleaf trees account for 30% of the trees planted annually. Following the mid-term review, the proportion of broadleaf trees planted increased from 23% and the figure is expected to be approximately 28% for 2018. While it is possible it will rise to 30% this year, it is too early to know, although the figures are encouraging. Thankfully, the mid-term review has worked in that respect and other initiatives such as the woodland environment fund are helping. We expect some significant announcements about the fund in the near future.