EU plan ‘would devastate forestry’

A DRAFT EU regulation would, if introduced, have a devastating impact on the forestry sector, according to Fine MEP Senator Jim Higgins.

He said it would reduce afforestation grants from 100% to 40%, while compensation for loss of income would be limited to 10 years and capped at €500 a hectare a year. Compensation is currently guaranteed for 20 years of payments of up to €725 a hectare.

The draft also fails to take into consideration the fact that Ireland has just 10% of forestry cover compared to a European average of 35%.