Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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75. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions that he is taking to promote afforestation and biodiversity. [38534/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is actively involved in the promotion of afforestation, including in relation to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity within our forests.

The Forestry Programme already has a wide range of generous grants and annual premiums that makes forestry an excellent land use option which can complement existing farming enterprises, and includes support schemes such as the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme which focus specifically on enhancing biodiversity. In this regard we also aim to facilitate small scale native tree planting up to 1 hectare. without the need for an afforestation licence, to encourage greater diversity.

As the Deputy may be aware, Project Woodland was established in February 2021 to ensure that the current licensing backlog is addressed and that a new impetus is brought to woodland creation in Ireland. 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. The Department has had extensive public consultation on the Strategy, which has brought forestry to the fore in terms of awareness, and we are currently engaging further with stakeholders on the measures that will be considered for the new Programme.

There was an Open Call by the Department for Proposals for Woodland Support Projects to take place during 2021 and 2022, aimed at promoting the multi-functional benefits of forestry including the recreational, environmental, community and economic benefits. Some 39 individual projects were selected for funding with a total budget of €1.4 millionover the two years. One of the categories specifically targeted projects which support and highlight the environmental benefits of woodlands, including biodiversity.

We also work closely with Teagasc which delivers a Forestry advisory and promotion programme each year to increase awareness levels and promote the multiple benefits associated with forestry.

COFORD has a Promotion and Afforestation Working Group (PAW), consisting of representatives from the various stakeholder groups, whose objective is to promote forestry including the implementation of measures to sustain and increase afforestation.

A refreshed Communications Strategy to promote all aspects of forestry, including increased afforestation and biodiversity is being finalised. The Strategy objective is to be accessible, inclusive and collaborative and will work across a wide range of communication channels and tools to provide timely and accurate information which will promote a shared national vision for forestry in Ireland.