2735. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any Department led initiative that seeks to increase the level of tree cover in appropriate locations in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62151/26]

2736. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any targets set by his Department in relation to the level of tree cover in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62150/26]

2737. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any afforestation plan for urban areas to increase the level of tree cover in appropriate areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62149/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2735, 2736 and 2737 together.

The Forestry Programme 2023–2027 includes an annual afforestation target of 8,000 hectares and provides attractive financial incentives and a broad range of planting options to support this ambition. The Afforestation Scheme 2023–2027 provides grant payments and, where applicable, an annual, income-tax-free premium to successful applicants. The Scheme offers a choice of 12 Forest Types, covering a broad range of planting options.

At present, no specific targets have been set for tree cover in urban areas. However, Forest Type (FT) 4 – NeighbourWoods may be of particular interest to landowners and Local Authorities in particular, seeking to create new woodlands in or around urban areas.

FT4 supports the creation of new woodlands designed to provide opportunities for forest recreation. These woodlands can be located in and around villages, towns and cities, as well as in rural areas. The NeighbourWood Scheme also provides financial support for the development of existing woodlands into attractive and accessible recreational amenities for local communities in both urban and rural settings.

My Department is also leading a Planting on Public Lands initiative, which supports public bodies in identifying suitable lands for planting in both urban and rural areas, navigating the relevant technical and regulatory requirements, and aligning projects with the appropriate forestry schemes. While public bodies can avail of all Forest Schemes, Forest Type (FT3) – Forests on Public Lands was developed to provide financial incentives for afforestation and support the development of recreational facilities, creating opportunities for people to access and enjoy local woodlands and benefit from the physical and mental health benefits that forests provide.