Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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831. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans in place to tackle the issue of the high amount of forestry farming occurring in County Leitrim, in view of concerns expressed by local communities; his views that the CAP payments for forestry farmers should be withheld or reduced as many do not reside here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27210/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's Forestry Programme aims to increase total forest cover in Ireland  by 44,000 hectares during the 6 year period up to 2020. This is a national target which means that all farmers have equal access to funds to establish new forests on their land. Forestry benefits  society as a whole by creating jobs in rural communities and by contributing to a cleaner environment.  It should be noted that one of the largest processors of timber in the country, Masonite, is located in Co. Leitrim.  For landowners and farmers in particular, forestry provides a land use option which will generate a stable income for 15 years in the form of forest premiums. The removal of the concession whereby farmers can retain their Basic Payment and draw down forestry premium on newly planted land would make it much less attractive for farmers to plant some of their land.

With regard to new planting, notice of all applications for afforestation are put on the Department’s website showing townland, area of site etc.  The Department also publishes notices in local newspapers where applications are made for afforestation in sensitive high-risk areas.