IFA seeks measures to boost forestry

A GREEN forest payment, the removal of the replanting obligation and the relaxation of restrictions on further afforestation are being sought by the IFA.

Pat Hennessy, newly elected Forestry Committee chairman, said these three issues need attention if afforestation is to increase in the country.

He has also called for the setting up of an independent body to examine and test some of the restrictions currently in place. “It is now time to recognise the positive environmental contributions of the updated, targeted schemes,” he said.