Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 100% forestry grants will still be paid to new buyers of Coillte forestry. [12645/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As recently announced by the Government, consideration will be given to the sale of some assets of Coillte, excluding the sale of land, when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price to Government. A valuation of Coillte assets is currently being undertaken by the NTMA (NewERA unit) in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No decision on the possible sale of Coillte assets will be taken until the valuation process is completed.

An afforestation grant is available as a fixed grant in respect of costs incurred in the establishment of a plantation. It is important to note that there is currently no grant assistance available for the replanting of forests following the commercial felling of trees. In order to preserve the forest estate, my Department's policy is that, apart from exceptional circumstances, replanting should take place on all areas harvested.