Four counties account for 60% of new growth

FARMERS in four Munster counties accounted for over 60% of new Irish afforestation plantings during the 2005/06 planting season. Of the 7,094 hectares planted, private planting carried out in Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary accounted for 4,275 hectares.

In Co Cork, 1,734 hectares was planted; 1,087 hectares in Tipperary; 770 hectares in Kerry; and 684 hectares in Limerick.

Now, the campaign to encourage more farmers to plant trees is being intensified, with the new FEPS scheme offering an annual tax-free payment of up to €773 per hectare for the first five years. At least eight hectares must be planted, to qualify for FEPS, which is open to farmers who are in REPS or who commit to joining REPS within 12 months of joining FEPS.