Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1616: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has considered, in the context of the ongoing review of afforestation, premia including areas of scrubland as eligible for such premia to allow the increase of the national forest estate without the need for payment of establishment grants and to reduce the number of wildfires used for controlled management of agricultural holdings to qualify for single farm payments and disadvantaged area payments. [33411/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I share the Deputies concern about the impact of recent wildfires on the national forest estate and on wildlife habitats.

My Department has established an inter-agency group (Land and Forest Fires Working Group) to examine the issue and make recommendations to strengthen preventative measures and minimise the occurrence and impact of forest fires.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1617: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the proposed scheme in the Revised Programme for Government through which some of the moneys currently set aside to purchase carbon credits abroad will be diverted for forestry investment here. [33412/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The scheme referred to is being considered in the context of the National Forestry Policy Review which is due to complete its work by the end of the year.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1618: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a list of derogations from the obligation to replant forestry given in the past five years, distinguishing between those given on environmental grounds and those given for commercial purposes.. [33420/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There have been no derogations from replanting obligations given in the last five years. However, extensions to the period allowed for replanting have been granted to Coillte Teo in respect of:

1. The Western Peatlands Life Project. These extensions were allowed to enable Coillte, for environmental reasons, to devise a suitable, environmentally friendly replanting plan.

2. The control of pine weevil by the creation of buffer zones to stop the spread of pine weevil. This extension is to facilitate an experimental approach to the control of the weevil. It is hoped it will produce an environmentally friendly solution that will also be commercially beneficial.

These areas will be replanted in due course. The following is a list of these extensions.