Fri, 10th Dec, 2010
forestry budget
Forestry growth to continue in 2011
Minister Brendan Smyth has announced that the budget for forestry remains practically unchanged from 2010 at approximately €120 million. Considering the nature of the recent budget and the cutbacks introduced across all departments including the Dept. of Agriculture, it is strong recognition of the vital role forestry has to play in the rural economy, Carbon sequestration, potential for employment and export growth. The funding should allow for a planting programme in excess of 7,000 hectares. Understandably there has been a lot of anxiety in the industry and with landowners around the future of forestry over the last few months. This funding allocation will go some way towards restoring confidence in the industry.
Currently foresters are trying to complete forestry sites approved with a completion date of 31st December 2010. The frost over the past two weeks has put a stop to planting and the forest service has agreed to extend the completion dates by two weeks, provided they are notified in writing.
The uncertainty which had surrounded forestry pre-budget did not however deter applicants seeking forestry approval as a landowner can get approved without a commitment to proceed with planting. Therefore there are a high number of applicants already approved to carry out planting; anyone interested in planting in 2011 should submit their application without delay so as to ensure obtaining forestry and financial approval for 2011.
If you require any further information or wish to submit an application for planting please do not hesitate to contact me. Fearghal Kealey. (086) 3207800. www.forestandtree.ie
