Donie Cassidy (Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 189: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the prospects for forestry plantings in 2006. [6108/06]

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

The prospects for forestry planting in 2006 are positive. This is the final year for planting under the current rural development programme and farmers can avail of a 20 year premium by planting under the current forestry grant and premium scheme. The scheme provides a 100% planting grant.

I have provided for a budget of €137 million towards the cost of forestry supports in 2006, the highest ever allocation for forestry. With the possibility of more land becoming available for afforestation under the single farm payment scheme, which enables farm-foresters to plant up to 50% of their eligible claimed areas with forestry, while still being in receipt of their full single farm payment, excellent opportunities exist for any potential farm-forester to earn additional income from forestry.

Donie Cassidy (Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 190: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the value of the forestry sector to the economy here; and the number of jobs involved in the sector. [6109/06]

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

The forestry sector provides a high value input to the national economy, and makes a significant contribution to the economic well being of rural communities. The sector contributes some €698 million annually to the economy. While it is difficult to provide economic values for the non-timber benefits of Irish forests, an annual value in the region of €88 million for the recreation, carbon storage and biodiversity benefits is estimated.

In recent years more than 14,000 private plantations have been established, the vast majority of these by farmers. In 2005, a total of €58.1 million in forestry premiums was paid out to forest owners. The level of employment generated through forestry in Ireland is of the order of 16,000 people, not including forest owners.