Forestry features strongly in the programme for government Acknowledging the positive role of forests in water quality, job creation and carbon storage in helping to achieve a 7% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the programme commits to 17 proposals, including:
A new forestry programme, to deliver an ambitious afforestation plan, with a particular focus on increased farmer rates. The implementation of the Mackinnon Report and a review of the forestry appeals system to ensure it is aligned with other comparable appeals processes so that the licensing system is sufficiently resourced to clear the backlog. Developing on-farm forestry initiatives through the new CAP, aligning agri-environment schemes with climate change objectives. The incorporation of afforestation into the new CAP to provide incentives for farmers to plant woodlands, including farm forestry/rewilding options.State planting, involving an afforestation programme on Coillte/Bord na Móna lands.Water quality and flood prevention – the promotion of planting ‘protection forests’ along rivers and lakes. Although short on detail, there has been strong support from the IFA, Forest Industries Ireland (FII) and the Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) for the 17 forestry elements.
John McCarthy of None so Hardy Nurseries summed up the general view that “if the new government
implements the Mackinnon Report then the programme will be worthwhile”.
Forestry features strongly in the programme for government Acknowledging the positive role of forests in water quality, job creation and carbon storage in helping to achieve a 7% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the programme commits to 17 proposals, including:
A new forestry programme, to deliver an ambitious afforestation plan, with a particular focus on increased farmer rates. The implementation of the Mackinnon Report and a review of the forestry appeals system to ensure it is aligned with other comparable appeals processes so that the licensing system is sufficiently resourced to clear the backlog. Developing on-farm forestry initiatives through the new CAP, aligning agri-environment schemes with climate change objectives. The incorporation of afforestation into the new CAP to provide incentives for farmers to plant woodlands, including farm forestry/rewilding options.State planting, involving an afforestation programme on Coillte/Bord na Móna lands.Water quality and flood prevention – the promotion of planting ‘protection forests’ along rivers and lakes. Although short on detail, there has been strong support from the IFA, Forest Industries Ireland (FII) and the Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) for the 17 forestry elements.
John McCarthy of None so Hardy Nurseries summed up the general view that “if the new government
implements the Mackinnon Report then the programme will be worthwhile”.
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