Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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957. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to immediately address the alarming decline of afforestation applications which at present are not sufficient to achieve afforestation climate action commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7978/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I assure the Deputy that achieving the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan is a priority for me, Minister of State Pippa Hackett who has overall responsibility for the sector and the Department.

I am more than aware of the need to engage farmers and landowners with  forestry, so that the  multifunctional benefits of planting can contribute not just to climate change and biodiversity but also to  the economic and recreational needs of society.

Improving licencing output has a role to play in building confidence amongst farmer and landowners, and in increasing the demand for licences for afforestation. That is why I am attaching importance to improving output on these licences in 2022. We Intend to issue 1,040 afforestation licences which is double our output in 2021. 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 502 afforestation licences issued. Those licences would have facilitated planting of over 4,200 ha but only 2000 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 3 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 have 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.