Dáil Éireann - Volume 630 - 31 January, 2007

Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.

Mr. English Mr. English

Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the forestry planting rate for County Meath for each of the years 2002 to 2005 and to date in 2006; the steps she is taking to encourage the planting of forestry in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43805/06]

Mary Coughlan Mary Coughlan

  Mary Coughlan: The forestry planting rate in Co. Meath was:

2002: 168.52ha

2003: 149.34ha

2004: 150.2ha

2005: 217.38ha

2006: not yet available.

The new Rural Development Programme for 2007-2013 has made very significant improvements to the Government’s support system for the planting of trees throughout the country. Included among these measures are increased planting grant rates, a 15% increase in premium rates and the new Forestry Environmental Protection Scheme, an innovative scheme which will encourage farmers already participating in REPS to plant trees on their land. While all of these measures apply throughout the country I am sure this very attractive forestry package will be of particular interest to the farmers of County Meath.

Dáil Éireann 630 Written Answers. Afforestation Programme.

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