Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The drafting of the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 included the production of a Natura Impact Statement and subsequent appropriate assessment, and this process concluded that the programme did not pose a threat to the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. In parallel to this, a Strategic Environmental Assessment was also carried out. As part of this assessment, an environmental report was drafted, the purpose of which was to evaluate the likely environmental effects of implementation and non-implementation of the draft Forestry Programme. This included an evaluation of realistic strategic alternative approaches and options, as well as suggested mitigation and enhancement measures to prevent, reduce and offset any significant adverse effects on the environment arising from the implementation of the draft programme. Mitigating measures adopted by the Forestry Programme are listed under Section 6.12 of the programme document itself. All documents are publicly available on the Department's website.

As regards any potential effect of afforestation on land prices, it should be noted that there are many factors which can influence land prices. Some are macro factors such as supply and demand and some are more local. Other factors include the prevailing economic climate, for example, the price of land decreasing as a result of the financial crisis of 2008/2009. There are also regional variations in terms of demand, supply and quality which influence the final price paid for land. To claim that afforestation grants and premium rates are responsible for driving up the price of all land types across the entire country overlooks the complexity that exists within the land market.

With regard to the economic aspects of forestry, I firmly believe that the sector is good for our economy and in particular, good for our people living in rural communities. Forestry generates economic activity in rural areas where other sectors of our economy cannot reach. It helps create sustainable and vibrant communities by supporting jobs throughout the forest cycle including planting, fencing, thinning, forest roading, harvesting and transportation, and replanting, and of course through the related nursery and processing sectors. In addition, numerous jobs are supported indirectly throughout rural communities, from machinery sales to local shops.