1979 forest planting programme

Summary

The 1979 programme plans 20,262 acres of planting, including 18,791 acres of new afforestation. The Minister said acquiring land is difficult because values have risen sharply and landowners treat land as an investment; timber-price increases have not kept pace with land costs.

Joe Walsh Mr. J. Walsh Fianna Fáil

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the acreage by which it is intended to increase the total area under forests in 1979.

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Brian Lenihan Snr. Mr. Lenihan Fianna Fáil

The State forest programme for 1979 envisages the planting of 20,262 acres, including 18,791 acres of new afforestation.

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Michael Pat Murphy Mr. M. P. Murphy Labour Party

Is it difficult to acquire land for afforestation?

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Brian Lenihan Snr. Mr. Lenihan Fianna Fáil

Yes, because of the enormous appreciation in the value of land since our entry into the EEC.

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Neil T.C. Blaney Mr. Blaney Independent

Is it not a fact that the increase in the price of timber is matching the increase in the price of land and, therefore, there should not be any undue problem in paying more for the land?

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Brian Lenihan Snr. Mr. Lenihan Fianna Fáil

Land values are still running ahead. The farming community regard land almost as a bank and like to hold on to their land irrespective of what is offered. That is the investment attitude they adopt. It is a fact of life.

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