Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 324: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the current apple orchard acreage; the variety grown; and if he has plans to expand the acreage. [12527/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food conducts a detailed apple orchard census every five years to update national statistics and to comply with EU legislation. The last orchard census took place in 2007*. It showed 40 Irish apple growers with a production area of 579 ha. The Department estimates this area to have now increased to about 620 ha.

Apple varieties grown in Ireland can be classed as culinary, dessert or cider. The most common culinary variety is Brambley's Seedling. The most important dessert variety is Jonagold whilst Dabinett and Michelin are the most commonly grown cider apple varieties.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food continues to support the development of the Irish Apple sector through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. Earlier this month, the Department announced approval of 157 applicants under the Scheme for 2011. This includes 7 apple producers who plan to make capital investment in their operations. *Note: The 2007 Orchard Census Report is available on the Department's website at: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/horticulture/horticulturestatistics/.