Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

26. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a dedicated unit focused on ensuring native forestry is used as a climate change mitigation measure, given recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2206/16]

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

The current 2014-2020 Forestry Programme is based on the following key needs:

- Increase, on a permanent basis, Ireland's forest cover to capture carbon, produce wood and contribute towards climate change mitigation;

- increase and sustain the production of forest-based biomass to meet renewable energy targets;

- support forest holders to actively manage their plantations; and

- optimise the environmental and social benefits of new and existing forests.

Protection of the environment and the delivery of eco-system services (including climate change mitigation and the control of floodwaters) can be seen in every aspect of the Forestry Programme. For example, one of the key aims of the Afforestation Scheme is increasing the carbon sequestration capacity of Ireland's forest estate, by planting trees on un-forested land. This scheme encourages farmers and other landowners to plant a variety of forest types, from more productive-focused forests to agro-forestry plots to native woodland. Scheme requirements and the assessment by my Department of proposals received, ensure that all new afforestation is well-positioned to deliver these vital benefits into the future. The planting target for 2016 is 6,660 hectares although resources are available if the demand exists amongst landowners to exceed this planting level.

Other specific measures available under the Programme are also highly relevant. For example, the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme is aimed at developing Ireland's native woodland resource. It provides funding for the appropriate restoration of existing native woodlands, and also, the conversion of conifer forests to native woodland. The scheme increases the carbon sequestration capacity of Ireland's forests through biomass accumulation, and can also be used to convert existing conifer forests into native woodland at strategic points along watercourses, thereby helping reduce the risk of flooding by providing areas for inundation during periods of high flow.

Officials within my Department review progress under the Forestry Programme on an ongoing basis, to ensure that the various schemes are operating effectively and are delivering the planned benefits, including environmental services relating to carbon capture and the protection of water.