Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
693. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a pure oak plantation that is seven years old and in contract be converted to agroforestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34190/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra694. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an ash dieback site that was approved for replanting with pure oak can be withdrawn and money paid back or if it is possible to convert such a site to agroforestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34191/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 693 and 694 together.
Under the 2014-2020 Forestry Programme, a pure Oak plantation approved under the relevant Grant and Premium Category at the time cannot be changed to Agroforestry. Similarly, if the Ash Dieback site has previously been reconstituted and already planted with Oak, it cannot be changed to Agroforestry. However, if the site has not yet been planted and the landowner wished to convert the site to Agroforestry, a new application can be made to facilitate this. There are 12 Afforestation Forest Type schemes such as Forests for Water, Emergent Forests and Continuous Cover Forestry from establishment. These Forest Types offer landowners additional choice and will bring added benefits for the environment and for biodiversity. Please see our website Afforestation Scheme: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/afforestation-scheme/#:~:text=This%20document%20provides%20the%20terms%20and%20conditions%20of,of%20trees%20on%20land%20not%20previously%20under%20forest or forestryinfo@agriculture.gov.ie for more information.
