Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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571. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of planting one hectare of public land with broadleaf trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22280/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The cost of planting will vary from site to site. In August 2020, my Department launched the Creation of Woodland on Public Lands Scheme which funds the creation of new native woodlands on publicly owned lands.

The Scheme aims to encourage Public Bodies to establish new native woodlands on suitable bare land and consists of the following four grant elements, two for planting and two for recreational facilities:  

The Planting grants cover the establishment cost for new woodland however these rates are kept under review and current costs of forestry operations are considered by my Department.

As the Deputy may be aware, a national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed. 

This new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 – 2027 and the grant rates for all Schemes will be reviewed during the development of the new Programme.