Written answers

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food

Forestry Sector

9:00 pm

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 750: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry cannot plant trees at a location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23235/11]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is no record of an application for the person named under the Afforestation Schemes administered by my Department. In the absence of such an application, it is not possible to say with certainty whether or not his application would be successful.

In general, most areas of county Kerry are suitable for afforestation. However, there are some areas of the county that are silviculturally unsuitable for growing trees, such as areas of infertile blanket peat; coastal areas which are prone to marine exposure and salt deposition; and elevated areas over 300 metres. Areas designated for nature conservation such as SPAs, SACs and NHAs, and areas deemed to be "potentially acid sensitive" by the EPA, may also restrict opportunities for afforestation in some areas of the county, even in areas that may be silviculturally suitable for forestry.

All applications submitted to my Department for approval to undertake afforestation are examined by reference to the silvicultural and environmental suitability of the site for forestry. This includes an assessment of issues such as soil type, soil fertility, exposure etc., along with an assessment of the potential impact of the project on water quality, landscapes and nature conservation. My Department cannot use Exchequer funds to support the establishment of new forests in areas that are silviculturally unsuitable for forestry or where forestry may negatively impact on the environment.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.