Munster leads way in afforestation
Tree plantings in 2006 were highest in Co Cork, at 933 hectares, of which 506 hectares was conifers, and the balance broadleaf. This represented almost 12% of national tree planting for the year.
Co Clare was second in the rankings with 475 hectares, of which 225 hectares was conifer. Tipperary was third with 450 hectares, of which 213 hectares was conifer.
Kerry was fourth at 430 hectares, conifers the choice on 245 hectares.
Limerick was fifth highest nationally with 375 hectares, of which only 146 hectares was devoted to conifers.
Contrary to the general belief that forestry would prove more attractive for part time farmers, part-time farmers represented only one quarter of those planting farmland in Munster in 2004. In Co Cork, full-time farmers planting forests outnumbered part-time farmers by more than three to one.
* Figures for 2007 reveal a decline in the area of new forest planted nationally.
It dropped to 6,947 hectares, from 8,037 hectares in 2006.
Planting totalled 10,096 hectares in 2005, 9,739 hectares in 2004, and 9,097 hectares in 2003.
The Government’s target is for annual planting to grow to 10,000 hectares per annum and stabilise at that level.
