Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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777. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify a series of matters (details supplied) in relation to the afforestation scheme 2023-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40272/23]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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779. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of tree shelters that must be erected for a one-hectare example forest of FT12 to protect the 20% broadleaf component, by area; the grant that will be payable under the deer tree shelter, hare and deer fencing scheme for this one-hectare example forest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40275/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 777 and 779 together.

I fully appreciate that there is a lot of detail in the new forestry programme and would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is more than happy to provide clarification on the details of the new forestry programme to stakeholders and to update the FAQs accordingly.

The Deer Tree Shelter rate of €1,600 per hectare applies to all the pure broadleaf forest types 1-7. Question 37 of the FAQs refers to the support available to protect the 20% broadleaf component in Forest types 10,11 and 12. The rate for this is €625 per hectare.

FT12 is a forest type that is offered through the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 launched under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027. In the scenario outlined the number of deer tree shelters that must be erected to protect the 20% broadleaf component would amount to 125. tree shelters.

In addition, within their FT12 afforestation application, the applicant can avail of either stock, stock/sheep or stock/rabbit fencing with a maximum grant of €880 per hectare.

We plan to launch the Deer tree shelter, Hare and Deer fencing scheme this week and full details will be available in the scheme document which will be published on www.gov.ie/forestry.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I believe that the new €1.3 billion 2023-2027 Forestry Programme, which aims to support the largest, most farmer-friendly investment in forestry in the history of the State, will encourage an increase in planting and provide the basis for the achievement of the target of 8,000 hectares per year set out in the Climate Action Plan.

I am pleased to confirm that the Programme's Afforestation Scheme for the 2023-2027 period opened for applications on the 6th of September. It offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options.

The annual broadleaf target has also increased from 30% to 50% of total annual planting. This is reflected in a substantial increase of 66% in premium rates for the establishment of a native forest, as well as five additional years of premiums for farmers across most forest types.

Agroforestry has been revised significantly. Agroforestry was first introduced to Ireland’s forestry support schemes in 2015, and the new Afforestation Scheme will increase the period for premiums from five to 10 years. To date, support has targeted the establishment of silvopastoral systems which combine forestry and pasture, including grazing and the growing of fodder. It is proposed to expand this in the next Forestry Programme with pilot schemes for silvoarable and forest gardening systems.

Emergent Forest is a further new Forest Type offered under the Afforestation Scheme. This will support the retention and appropriate management of suitable areas of ‘scrub’, which represent an important biodiversity feature within the landscape, with the potential for delivering many ecosystem services.

The Programme also contains a new Native Tree Area Scheme, which builds on a recent amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 that removes the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. It is our objective to increase and encourage interest in small-scale planting, and I am confident that this change to the Act will remove a barrier to such planting. This Native Tree Area Scheme is expected to open for applications in the coming weeks.

I am committed to working with all our stakeholders to substantially increase our afforestation rates over the next decade. I am confident that the diverse range of forest types, coupled with attractive grants and premiums, will support landowners to plant trees in a manner that will provide lasting climate, biodiversity, wood production, employment and wider societal benefits.