Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

87. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of trees planted by those in the agriculture sector since 2011; the percentage of native species planted; the percentage of commercial non-native species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7145/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme is the main afforestation scheme available to land owners operated by my Department.  The Scheme provides for a number of different grant and premium categories and within those categories, for the planting of a number of different species.  The Forestry Programme 2014 to 2020 took into account the aims and objectives of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy.  Certain commitments were provided for, which include a target of 30% broadleaf planting on an annual and national basis.  This is a specific condition of my Department’s State Aid approval for the programme.  At the launch of the Afforestation Scheme a minimum of 10% broadleaf component was required. Furthermore, sites over 10 ha must have 15% open space and retained habitat.

Due to the different species and stocking densities required at planting, it is not possible to give with any accuracy the number of trees planted.  The reducing rate in the afforestation of native species, is following the trend in the reduction of planting of broadleaf species, largely associated with Ash Dieback. My Department is currently completing a midterm review of the Forestry Programme under which there will be proposals for improved rates for the broadleaf sector.

The area planted and the percentage of those areas that were planted with native and non-native species from 2011 to 2016 is given in the following table.

My Department compiles various statistics annually, which include a breakdown of the farmer/non-farmer applications approved and planted under the Afforestation Scheme.  These statistics are made available on my Department’s website.  The following table shows the area planted by farmers and non-farmers from 2011 to 2016.