Planting reaches 7,000ha

By Donal Magner

While last year's renewed Programme for Government aimed to achieve an annual afforestation programme of 10,000ha, few realistically expected this to be achieved.

Based on discussion with forestry companies and others in the sector, it would appear that planting is up by around 10% to 15%, which would translate into a 7,000ha programme this year.

Padraig Egan, SWS Forestry Services, said that interest and commitment to plant had increased considerably. ''The various forestry schemes now on offer are competitive and farmers see forestry as a secure, long-term investment,'' he said.

He maintained that the recent strong prices paid for timber provided a boost to confidence. As a result, farmers are looking more favourably at forestry as a viable land use proposition.

He also claimed that the benefits of forestry in areas such as climate change mitigation are now being recognised by Government, which should ensure greater commitment to maintaining a feasible planting programme.

A Department spokesperson said it is likely that a 7,000ha afforestation programme would be achieved in 2010.

While many of those interviewed were relieved that this performance would at least halt the decline in planting trends experienced in recent years, most felt that it was disappointing, compared with the 10,000ha programme agreed in the renewed Programme for Government.

John Jackson, chairman of Donegal Woodland Owners Society Ltd (DWOS), said: ''The DWOS believes that 20% forest cover by 2030 is vital if Irish forestry is to optimise its growing social, environmental and economic potential.''

When Sean Connick, Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, visited Donegal recently, John Jackson told him that a viable forestry sector 'would require an annual programme of 20,000 ha', so clearly the DWOS chairman is not impressed with the current afforestation performance.

He reminded the Minister that Ireland 'has only 10% forest cover in Ireland compared with an average EU cover of around 40%, so now is the time to make a productive strategic investment into Irish forestry'.

John McCarthy, None So Hardy Nurseries, said that despite an increase in planting, the performance fell short of the planting programme of 10,000ha, which he said 'was the minimum required to ensure a viable planting programme and nursery sector'.

Nicholas Cotter, Mid Western Forestry, said there was increased interest in planting by farmers, but there was reluctance by many to commit because of the fear of future cuts to the premia. He said: ''There needs to a be a clear Government policy on premium payments. Farmers who commit to planting, and locking their land into forestry, need basic assurances that premium payments will not be cut, as they were in 2009.''

Although funding is only available for circa 7,000ha this year, the general view was that farmers and other growers should put the Department under pressure to achieve a greater planting programme, as the forestry sector has proved itself as a land use providing value for money.

Picture Above:The Donegal Woodland Owners Society (DWOS) discussed the afforestation programme with Sean Connick (centre), Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, during his recent visit to the county. Included are Charles Doherty, DWOS; Pat the Cope Gallagher, MEP; John Jackson, chairman, DWOS, and Raymond Treacy, vice-chairman, DWOS.