Written answers

Tuesday, 27 June 2006

Department of Agriculture and Food

Afforestation Programme

11:00 pm

Photo of Donie CassidyDonie Cassidy (Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the prospects for forestry plantings in 2006. [24467/06]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Demand under the afforestation scheme has been less than anticipated this year. However, my Department has issued substantial numbers of approvals already and it is still possible that afforestation levels can be held at, or close to, 2005 levels. However last estimates at present are that planting levels will be around 8,000 hectares for the year.

I would like to remind farmers of the attractiveness of the current scheme. 100% of the costs of planting are covered and tax-free premiums of up to €500 per hectare are available for a full 20 years at present. In addition, farmers can plant up to 50% of their land, and draw down the relevant forestry premium, without affecting their Single Payment. The current package is without doubt the most attractive that has ever been made available and I would urge farmers, and indeed all land-owners, to strongly consider the opportunities that forestry offers.

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