Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1277. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when details of the new forestry scheme will be available in order that forestry businesses can plan in an attempt to prevent job losses in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54938/22]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1303. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will immediately put in place the new forestry programme 2023-2027. [55423/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1277 and 1303 together.

My Department has recently published a Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050 which was informed by a series of extensive engagements and consultation. This Vision has informed a new Forestry Strategy for Ireland, which has been developed through Project Woodland. 

In parallel, a draft Forest Strategy Implementation Plan has also been developed to facilitate the initial steps in the implementation of the Forest Strategy. This Plan comprises a list of actions and measures and includes the Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027 which will be the main implementation vehicle for the Forest Strategy in the immediate to short term. The draft Forest Strategy and Forest Strategy Implementation Plan were published on Tuesday the 18^thof October and are now subject to a six-week public consultation process which closes on 29 November, 2022.

In this regard, I am pleased to advise that I have secured a package of €1.318 billion for forestry which will support the biggest and best-funded Forestry Programme ever in Ireland. This is the outcome of detailed discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

This funding guarantees continued payments to those forest owners who planted under the current Afforestation Scheme and who are still in receipt of premiums and offers new and improved rates to those who undertake planting and sustainable forest management under the new Programme.

Increases in premiums for planting trees range from between 46% to 66% are proposed, along with a longer term of 20 years for farmers.  Grant rates for forest establishment are also showing increases of around 20%.  It is hoped that these substantial increases will incentivise behavioural change and re-engage landowners and farmers with forestry. 

The Programme will also be subject to state aid approval from the European Commission and the Department is actively engaging with the Commission to progress towards approval.

I am committed to introducing a new Programme which will deliver for society and which will support the forestry sector.