Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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899. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress being made on the afforestation of surplus lands owned by public bodies, Government Departments and local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9590/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In August 2020, the Creation of Woodlands on Public Land Scheme (CWPL) was launched. The purpose of the Scheme is to encourage Public Bodies to establish new native woodlands on suitable bare land. This aim is consistent with the Programme for Government, which sought to “embark on an ambitious programme of afforestation on state-owned lands”.

Native woodlands are an important part of Ireland’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage, and are unique in terms of their biodiversity. They are home to specialised woodland animals, birds, insects, and plants, including red squirrel, pine marten, great spotted woodpecker, narrow-leaved helleborine and wood millet, to name but a few.

The Scheme aims to conserve nature by promoting the establishment of permanent non-commercial native woodlands on public land, which can deliver a range of benefits.

The Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) in the Atlantic Seaboard South Region, in partnership with my Department, have carried out a land bank analysis targeted at 300 public bodies in late 2020. This analysis showed that the majority of public bodies are landowners and nearly half of the public bodies that responded to the survey reported that they have land available that might be suitable for the creation of new native woodlands. Following this analysis, CARO have developed a FAQ Guidance document, targeted at Local Authorities in particular, with additional guidance for public bodies in relation to entering and implementing this Scheme. The Guidance document can be downloaded from the CARO website.

To date there have been 22 applications from public bodies across 12 counties, for 100 ha of forestry. Seven have been approved and three have commenced planting. Just this week, I launched a wonderful site in Co. Sligo which will become a 105 acre woodland with public amenities. This is on land owned by the HSE and financed by my Department under this scheme.

General information on the Creation of Woodland on Public Lands Scheme, including a breakdown of Grants available, can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/service/4b0e6-creation-of-woodland-on-public-lands-scheme/