Ken O'Flynn
Question:
175. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how forestry policy is being aligned with national biodiversity and climate strategies; and what measurable indicators are used to assess the environmental performance of State forestry. [28985/26]
View answer
Ireland’s Forest Strategy to 2030 was launched in September 2023. It was informed by extensive stakeholder and public consultation. It provides Ireland with a roadmap for developing a forestry sector that deliver for climate, nature, wood, people, and economic and rural development. The Forest Strategy Implementation Plan is the detailed actionable document to turn the Strategy into reality. To monitor the progress of the plan A Forest Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC) was established, it provides a forum for stakeholders, including, State agencies, industry and environment NGOs to work together to monitor the progress of the plan to ensure a successful outcome and delivery of objectives. An action tracker is presented quarterly to the FSSC and is available on the DAFM website.
assets.gov.ie/static/documents/09fe3ad4/FSIP_Action_List_Tracker_FSCC_30.03.26_1.pdf
Reporting on forest related actions of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Plan are available from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage respectively.
Climate Action Plan 2025 www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/climate-action-plan-2025/
Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023–2030 www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/irelands-4th-national-biodiversity-action-plan-20232030/#2025-implementation-report-4th-national-biodiversity-action-plan
National biodiversity and climate strategies are central to Ireland’s forest policy and there are numerous measurable indicators in this regard. For example, the afforestation licensing process safeguards biodiversity and carbon sinks (e.g. the Appropriate Assessment procedure, restrictions on planting on peat), while the Afforestation Scheme itself proactively advances both (e.g. carbon sequestration is a key objective of the Scheme, while specific ‘Foresty Types’ under that Scheme are focused on promoting native woodland and the protection of aquatic ecosystems).
Similar measures are also found in relation to tree felling (e.g. the general replanting requirement maintains carbon stocks, while the Climate Resilience Reforestation Scheme funds the replacement of conifer plantations with broadleaved and mixed forests, with resulting biodiversity benefits).
All of the above are measurable, in terms of licences and grant approvals issued, projects completed, and associated attributes such as species, area and location.
