Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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938. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated number of forestry licences required by the forestry industry for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7571/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020, and this was the starting point for developing a more ambitious plan for 2022.

This plan for 5,250 licences in 2022 represents an overall increase in licensing of 30%. It provides for a 100% increase in output for afforestation licences. In addition the overall number of licences in respect of private felling, roads and afforestation will be increased year on year by 48%, while Coillte felling licences will maintain the level they achieved in 2021.

In terms of felling, in 2021 2,877 tree felling licences were issued for approx. 8.5 million cubic metres. On foot of this I understand that the sawmills had a good year in 2021. As regards the coming year, Coillte had their contract event on 17th November, with sawmills receiving 50% of their supply of Coillte generated logs for 2022. In addition to this, sawmills are taking in a steady supply of logs from private felling sites.

Critically, the volume of felling licences issued has stabilised the market in this regard. Our plans to maintain the number of felling licences issued to Coillte and to increase the number of private felling licences in 2022 will, I believe, meet the needs of the sector and will exceed the projections of the COFORD All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast.

As regards afforestation improving licensing output has a role to play in building confidence amongst farmer and landowners, and in increasing the demand for licences for afforestation and that is why we have a target of 1,040 afforestation licences for 2022. We are fully committed to increasing the efficiency of the licensing system and work underway under Project Woodland in terms of the review of the regulatory framework and of our business processes is aimed at helping us to achieve better and more responsive delivery.

The conversion rate from licensing to planting, at about 64%, is low. This means that at present, a disproportionate amount of processing effort both by the Department and forestry companies is wasted. We need to change that and get much better at communicating the benefits of forestry to those we are trying to encourage to plant trees. On most farms, planting can comfortably co-exist with livestock enterprises and can significantly increase the net income from the holding. Farmers who plant trees on a portion of their lands, can continue to engage in their traditional farm enterprises. They can also continue to receive their Basic Payment on planted lands, and will receive grants to cover establishment costs, generous premia over 15 years and substantial tax free income at thinning and harvesting time. We must work together to communicate this positive message consistently.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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939. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares of afforestation applied for in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7572/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department makes available various forestry statistics on its website, particularly the Forestry Divisional Monthly Reports, which may be found here gov.ie - Forest Statistics and Mapping (www.gov.ie). Those reports show that applications for 4,606ha of afforestation were received in 2021.

I am more than aware that this falls short of the target set out in the Climate Action Plan of 8,000 hectares which is a priority for me and my Department. I fully recognise the need to engage farmers and landowners with forestry to achieve this.

Improving licensing output has a role to play in building confidence amongst farmer and landowners, and in increasing the demand for licences for afforestation and that is why we have a target of 1,040 afforestation licences for 2022.

We are fully committed to increasing the efficiency of the licensing system and work underway under Project Woodland in terms of the review of the regulatory framework and of our business processes is aimed at helping us to achieve better and more responsive delivery.

We do, however, need to address the broader issue of increasing the level of interest in planting. In 2021, for example, there were 526 afforestation licences issued. Those licences would have facilitated planting of over 4,606 ha but only 2016 hectares were planted in 2021. This low conversion rate to planting is of concern and needs to change. We are this week writing to applicants with unused licences to remind them that their licence is still valid and to encourage them to consider using them before their approval lapses. It is important that positive messages around planting are communicated and this is the responsibility of all in the sector, especially those in direct contact with farmers and landowners.

The introduction of an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 to facilitate small scale tree planting without the need for a licence may appeal to certain landowners and will widen the options available for planting.

In addition to the above, through Project Woodland my Department is currently preparing for comprehensive engagement and public consultation that will take place over the next three months on a shared national vision for the role of trees and forests and on the development of a new forest strategy. Significant progress has already been made. A national public attitudes survey on afforestation has been undertaken.

Irish Rural Link has been engaging with communities across Ireland. Bilateral engagements are ongoing with key stakeholders. In the coming months there will also be an online public consultation facility available where stakeholders and the public can provide detailed written submissions regarding the new Vision and Forest Strategy.

The new Forest Strategy will set out a clear plan of action that will align with our climate action commitments. The next Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027 is currently being prepared and this will be the main implementation vehicle for the strategy. The role of trees and forests will play a vital role in meeting our climate action commitments and the Forestry Programme will provide funding to encourage an increased uptake of a wide range of afforestation measures to meet this.

Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, we are committed to delivering a forestry sector that will benefit farmers, the environment and the economy.