Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 756: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will declare which areas of land are suitable for afforestation in County Kerry; if the situation will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23323/11]

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

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.