Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 487 together.

The Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS) was introduced with the purpose of facilitating small-scale tree planting. The introduction of an exemption for afforestation in limited circumstances facilitates the exclusion of clearly defined activities from requiring an afforestation licence. This exemption is an enabling proposal that allows the creation of forests through initiatives, other than the afforestation scheme, thereby contributing to Ireland’s targets in relation to a wide range of environmental priorities particularly climate change, biodiversity and water quality.

Since the scheme was introduced in September 2023, 201 applications have been received of which 77 approvals have issued for 80ha. My Department is not aware of any delays in the processing of applications with an average turnaround time of four to five weeks. The NTAS was introduced as part of the Forestry Programme 2023 and as part of that process there will be a formal review process of all associated schemes in due course.

We will continue to encourage farmers to consider the Scheme as an complementary activity to a productive farming enterprise with premiums of up to €22,840 for 10 years.