Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has announced the imminent opening of the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme for applications. This innovative pilot scheme is designed to offer support for reforestation efforts that promote species and structural diversity within forests. McConalogue emphasized that such initiatives can enhance the resilience and adaptability of forested areas to climate-related challenges. The pilot scheme forms a crucial component of the government’s Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027, which received approval last September.
Many of Ireland’s forests have traditionally been managed using an “even-aged management structure,” as highlighted by Minister McConalogue. He stressed the necessity for a more balanced approach, incorporating forest management techniques that align closely with nature, such as continuous cover forestry and semi-natural forests. To address this imbalance, the minister outlined a reforestation scheme comprising three key elements: reforestation for continuous cover forestry, reforestation for native woodlands, and reforestation aimed at enhancing biodiversity and water protection.
Responding to a parliamentary question posed by Independent Tipperary TD Michael Lowry, Minister McConalogue revealed that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is actively developing an online application system for the scheme. He expressed the intention to launch the scheme in the coming weeks, underscoring that all aspects would adhere to the department’s forestry standards, including the specification of accepted species, origin, and provenance. Grant funding will be made available to support measures facilitating successful re-establishment, such as planting, plant protection (e.g. fencing), and ongoing maintenance, added the minister.
