Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 448: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of hectares of forestry which have been planted over each of the past ten years; the number of hectares she expects to have planted in the year 2005; if she is satisfied that she has sufficient funds to promote this very important sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34198/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The number of hectares of afforestation grant aided by my Department in the last ten years is shown in the following table. It is important to note that the area quoted refers to the area for which payments were actually made in the year concerned.

As regards 2005, I expect the outturn to be in the region of 10,000-11,000 hectares. I am satisfied that sufficient funding is available for both the promotion and grant aiding of this important sector. I remind farmers that they can plant up to 50% of their land without affecting their single payment, and draw down forestry premiums of up to €500 per hectare a year, for 20 years. I urge farmers to avail of this package now.