Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 to 281, inclusive, together.

The capital plan for forestry is set out in the Forestry Programme 2014 - 2020. This represents a continuation of the Government's policy on forestry, following on from the Forestry Programme 2007-2013 and previous Programmes. During the lifetime of this current programme the Department will spend approximately €482 million on forestry which will include commitments to premiums and grants arising from planting under previous programmes.  

The current Programme provides for funding of approximately €200 million for new afforestation of some 43,000 hectares for the six year planting period. Of this amount approximately €126 million relates to the payment of new afforestation grants and €74 million for associated premiums during the programme period.  There will be ongoing liabilities beyond 2020 relating to the second instalment of the establishment grant and the 15 annual premiums payments to persons who plant under this Programme.

Total spending on new afforestation for the period from 1 January 2015 to 31 March 2017 as provided for under the new programme is €43 million. This figure excludes expenditure for planting that was approved under previous programmes. Afforestation grant payments made from the 1/1/2015 up to the 31/3/2017 in relation to new planting under the current Forestry Programme amount to approximately €31 million. The associated premium payments for the same period amount to approximately €12 million.

Planting so far under the new programme is broadly in line with targets set although it is difficult to determine the final planting figure for 2017 as it is too early in the year to make an accurate assessment.