I propose to take Questions Nos. 1301 and 1302 together.
Ireland’s Forest Strategy (2023 – 2030) has an overriding objective to urgently expand the national forest estate on both public and private land in a manner that will deliver lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, water quality, wood production, economic development and quality of life.
Following an extensive period of engagement and consultation about the role of forests and forestry in Ireland’s future, it is clear that there is a strong public appetite for more trees and forests in Ireland, as well as a very strong appreciation of the positive impact that trees and forests can have in helping to combat climate change and to restore nature - addressing two of the greatest global challenges of our time.
A new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 was approved by the Government in September 2023, along with other non-Forestry Programme Actions under the Forest Strategy Implementation Plan. This new Programme, funded with €1.3 billion by the Government, is extremely ambitious and distinct from previous Programmes, aiming at more multi-functional and diverse forests.
Ireland’s Roundwood Forecast 2021 to 2040 predicts that the annual potential roundwood supply will increase from 4.9 million cubic metres in 2021 to 7.9 million cubic metres by 2035, followed by a small decrease to remain constant at about 7.6 million cubic metres up to 2040. This level of production is sufficient to meet Ireland’s housing needs and supports the needs of other countries through the export of sawn timber.
My Department has also established a Timber in Construction Steering Group which brings together key government departments and industry representative bodies with the purpose of identifying barriers and opportunities. Timber provides excellent opportunities to replace non-renewable building materials and to decarbonise our built environment.
The levels of felling detailed in the forestry licensing dashboard for the private sector provides detail on those licences issued. However, it is important to bear in mind that many of these felling licences incorporate felling activity that will actually occur over the next 10 years.
