Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:111. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the implementation of Ireland's National Forestry Strategy 2023 to 2030. [35408/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 14 May 2026
Ceisteanna (111)
Freagraí scríofa
A Forest Strategy for 2023–2030 was published in September 2023, which was informed by comprehensive engagement and public consultation. This Strategy provides Ireland with a roadmap for the rest of this decade to put in place strong foundations for forests that deliver multi-faceted benefits.
In conjunction, a Forest Strategy Implementation Plan (FSIP), which includes the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 was also developed to facilitate the initial steps in the implementation of this Forest Strategy. It comprises of 87 actions consisting of Forestry Programme and non-Programme actions.
The current Forestry Programme is the biggest and best funded Forestry Programme to date in Ireland. It provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees by providing a valuable addition to farm income whilst also helping to meet national climate and biodiversity objectives. To date, 21 schemes have been launched under the Programme, including forest creation measures, such as my Department's Afforestation and Native Tree Area Schemes. There is also a broad range of support schemes on offer for forest owners that recognise the importance of managing existing forests.
There are only 3 schemes that remain to be launched, the Innovative Forest Technology Scheme - Module 5: Technology Challenge Grant, the Forest Classroom pilot scheme, and the Environmental Enhancement pilot Scheme. These will be introduced on a phased basis over the remainder of the Programme term.
The FSIP also includes non-programme actions, which are those delivered outside of the scope of the Forestry Programme. For example, services associated with plant health or forest reproductive material, my Department’s competitive research call, the national forest inventory, use of timber in construction and actions delivered by my Department’s agencies or companies, such as Teagasc, or Coillte, or by other Government Departments or their agencies, for example the Environmental Protection Agency, or National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Monitoring and reporting structures are in place to oversee, guide and track the implementation of the Forest Strategy. 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 my Departments website.
Question No. 112 answered orally.