Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1424. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason forestry targets of 20,000 ha per annum and more recently of 15,000 ha per annum, as outlined in reports (details supplied), set by his Department have been reduced to an average of 7,333 ha per annum under the new forestry programme 2015 to 2020. [1188/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The targets set out under the current  Forestry Programme 2014-2020 reflect the planting levels that can be achieved within the budget set by Government. At the time that the Programme was agreed, the budget was not available to plant 15,000ha; in any event it was unlikely that this level of planting could be achieved even if the budget did exist. The reason why this is the case is because the scheme itself is demand driven and voluntary so landowners must want to plant in the first instance. While this programme’s targets may seem modest when compared to previous targets, all applicants who want to plant and who qualify for financial support under the afforestation scheme are approved. In 2015 the targets set were exceeded by almost 300ha, in 2016 preliminary figures show that the Department fell short of its target by roughly 160ha.

Total afforestation in 2012 was 6,652ha, in 2013 it was 6,252ha, in 2014 it was 6,156ha, in 2015 it was 6,293ha and in 2016 preliminary figures show that 6,500ha were planted. Targets to 2020 are set out in the forestry programme 2014 -2020 and further targets will be included in the following 7 year programme. It is difficult to see 20,000ha or even 15,000ha being achieved during this programme period given the planting levels currently being achieved. As mentioned earlier landowners must want to plant and many do not see forestry as an option for their current farming enterprise. In relation to long-term forestry planning periods in the context of afforestation this will continue to mirror the EU CAP programme period which typically covers 7 years.

On the research side, the aim of the Department’s forest research (CoFoRD) Programme is to develop a scientific foundation and support for a sustainable, competitive, market-orientated and innovative forest industry through support for research projects. The Forest Research Ireland Report (FORI) drawn up by the COFORD Council and which informs the forestry aspects of my Department’s research calls, identifies the importance of a long-term approach to aspects of forest research, because of the long-term nature of forestry. As regards ring-fencing funding for forestry research separately from agriculture, it should be noted that the forestry research programme is managed as a separate budget line, kept under review and maintained at a level of approx. €2 million annually. In addition, my Department provides Grant-in-aid funding to Teagasc, whose research remit includes forest research.

A new forestry promotion campaign is underway within my Department which aims to highlight the benefits of forestry amongst farmers and non-farmers alike. A midterm review also begins early this year that will compare progress made against the original targets set. In this context schemes may be improved or restructured to make them more attractive to potential applicants.

I would like to make it clear that my Department is committed to its goal of increasing forest cover to 18%. This might take longer than previously estimated; however we will continue to encourage land owners to plant in order to reach our programme targets and to make the necessary funding available.