Latest news with #Éowyn
Agriland
3 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Heydon: ‘Hopeful signs' on forestry planting this year
There are 'hopeful signs' on forestry planting this year which is up 'nearly 150% on the same period last year' according to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon. In response to a question tabled by the Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture, Martin Kenny, the minister added: 'There is more to come, with another 1,600 hectares already committed to or commenced planting, and a further 4,490 hectares licenced but not yet planted'. According to Minister Heydon the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 'represents the largest ever investment by an Irish Government in tree-planting' and was put in place to incentivise farmers to see tree-planting as an additional income stream or diversification option. Deputy Kenny had tabled a question in the Dáil requesting the minister to outline the number of 'recipients currently receiving afforestation premiums under afforestation schemes from 2005 to date'. Forestry Minister Heydon said that around 9,788 individual forest owners are due premia payments in 2025, for 87,893ha planted under afforestation schemes since 2005. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) also provided details to Deputy Kenny in relation to the number of hectares of forestry planted and the breakdown of the number of hectares of forestry, per forest types 1 to 12, under the current afforestation scheme. Forest types/hectares of forestry planted Source: DAFM Forestry licences Separately the Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Matt Carthy, also asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to specify the number number of forestry licences issued in each quarter one from 2019 to 2025. Number of forestry licences issued in Q1 over the last 7 years Source: DAFM According to Minister Heydon forestry licences should be processed within six months for screened-out applications (those not subject to appropriate assessment) and within nine months for screened-in applications (those subject to appropriate assessment). He also told Deputy Carthy: 'My department will publish a Forestry Licensing Plan for 2025 in the coming weeks, taking account of developments on foot of the fallout from storms Darragh and Éowyn. 'Now that the satellite assessment of the extent of the damage is complete, my department can assess the information and plan in more detail accordingly. 'The plan will cover afforestation, roads, private and Coillte felling licences'.
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Climate
- RTÉ News
Can a simple calendar help farmers tackle climate change?
Analysis: An agri-climate calendar with easy-to-follow advice and tips can give farmers clear and practical climate steps to take throughout the year Over the last decade, climate change is a phrase that has taken up residence in our vocabulary. The effects are real and something we need to act on swiftly. Weather patterns are more unpredictable and farmers are feeling the brunt of them. In Ireland, extreme weather events are more common than ever before. In January, Storm Éowyn caused major disruptions with some households in the west of the country left without power or water for weeks. April saw the highest temperature ever recorded in that month, breaking a record set in 1984. Such extreme weather patterns are no longer one-off events and are happening more often - and are having a big effect on farming in Ireland. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland in Sep 2024, calls for Government to support measures to cut agriculture emissions Irish farmers are facing serious challenges due to climate change's wetter and warmer conditions. On one hand, warmer weather could mean longer growing seasons, but this doesn't come without problems. For example, more rain means flooding, which can damage soil and wash away important nutrients. Warmer temperatures also encourage the spread of diseases, which can hinder both crop and livestock production. But while climate change is a challenge for farmers, farming also contributes to climate change. In fact, Irish agriculture accounts for more than a third of the country's greenhouse gas emissions each year. This puts pressure on farmers to find ways to reduce their environmental impact, but many of them feel frustrated with policies that do not always consider the realities of farming life. So, what can farmers do to help tackle climate change on their farms? One simple tool might be an agri-climate calendar to provide easy-to-follow climate advice and tips, specifically designed for dairy farmers. A one-pager that gives farmers clear and practical steps to take throughout the year, it's tailored to the needs of individual farms, helping farmers make small changes that can reduce emissions without hampering productivity. The beauty of this calendar is that it was designed by dairy farmers for dairy farmers. It's not overwhelming and gives farmers simple, practical actions they can take without adding work to already busy schedules. Instead of bombarding farmers with complicated information, the calendar focuses on small adjustments they can make. For example, it suggests changes to fertiliser spreading practices, better nutrient management or improving soil structures. The advice is flexible, so farmers can apply it based on their own farming situation. What makes the calendar so effective is that it integrates climate action into farmers' existing routines. Instead of trying to force drastic changes all at once, the calendar helps farmers make small, gradual improvements. Over time, these small changes add up, leading to significant reductions in emissions. Beyond reducing emissions, the calendar also seeks to spark conversations about climate change. By providing farmers with easy-to-understand information, it encourages them to talk more openly about the issue and take action. This shift in mindset is important because farmers are often the ones most affected by climate change, and they have valuable knowledge about what works and what does not. From RTÉ Hot Mess podcast, is the Government looking for a 'get out of jail' card on emissions from farming? The success of the calendar has shown that farmers are willing to embrace climate action, as long as the solutions are practical and fit with their daily lives. When farmers feel supported and given the right tools, they can play a key role in reducing emissions and protecting the environment. This calendar helps farmers feel more confident about making changes on their farms. The Agri-Climate Calendar is also a step towards Ireland meeting its climate goals. Ireland has committed to reducing carbon emissions, and the farming sector has a big role to play in that. By adopting practices like those suggested in the calendar, Irish farmers can reduce their environmental impact while still running productive farms. By offering clear, practical advice, the calendar allows farmers to take action without disrupting their regular activities The Agri-Climate Calendar is a simple but powerful tool to help farmers reduce their carbon footprint. By offering clear, practical advice, it allows farmers to take action without disrupting their regular activities. The calendar encourages gradual change, making it easier for farmers to play their part in climate action over time. With the right tools and support, farmers can play a leading role in reducing emissions while maintaining sustainable and productive farms. Moving forward, balancing food production with environmental care will be key for Ireland's farming sector. This approach is one that could play a crucial role as Ireland works towards reaching its climate goals.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
‘Not good enough' – Uisce Éireann and eir criticised for missing Sligo meeting about Storm Éowyn
Both eir and Uisce Éireann were unable to attend this month's county council meeting, but did send briefing notes to be circulated Both eir and Uisce Éireann were criticised for their non-attendance at a special meeting of Sligo County Council on Monday with Semi-State Organisations and Utility Providers to discuss the impact of Storm Éowyn. The ESB and Coillte were both in attendance at the meeting, with both organisations engaging in discussion with members of Sligo County Council.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
ESB denies network is not fit for purpose – ‘wind took down timber and timber took down networks'
Sligo councillors request an ESB contact line so they can report problems raised by constituents Members of the ESB refuted any suggestions that the network is not fit for purpose at a meeting between Sligo County Council members and semi-state organisations and utility providers on Monday morning. The ESB and Coillte were present at the meeting to discuss the impact of storm Éowyn and what lessons can be learned, while eir and Uisce Éireann were unavailable to attend. Related topics Jessica Farry
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Heydon: Forestry on peat is complex and must be science-led
Some soils currently excluded from Ireland's forestry planting will contribute positively if planted, said agriculture minister Martin Heydon last week. He revealed forestry on peat soils was being investigated in a €2.7m research programme, entitled 'Management of peatland forests for climate, biodiversity and water quality'. It is a four-year project, but there may be preliminary results within two years. Responding to Dáil questions, the minister said: "The subject of planting forests on peat soils is not black and white. Forests planted on peat soils can contribute to climate, biodiversity and timber production." The subject has been controversial since forestry minister Michael Healy-Rae said in April that Ireland would not have enough timber if forest planting was restricted to shallower peat soils, less than 30cm deep. Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman hit back, saying planting on peatlands would be "environmental madness". Mr Heydon said last week, "I am not in favour of planting on deep peat sites, where there is a net carbon emission, or planting important peat habitats, blanket bogs, raised bogs and other important habitats on peat soils. These will remain unplanted". He confirmed the EU state aid approval for Ireland's forestry programme prohibited planting on deep peat soils. "On the other hand, it permits planting of commercial forest and native woodlands on shallower peat soils, less than 30cm deep, and some midland fen peats planted with native woodlands". Mr Heydon said any changes to forestry programmes must be informed by science. "Growing forests on peat, and the consequences in relation to carbon, is complex. All trees, as they grow, store an increasing amount of carbon, but peat that is drained emits carbon. There has been a lot of research into this area, but more needs to be done," he said. "In relation to any future forestry programmes, these will have to be agreed with the EU Commission, and it will be important that whatever we propose as part of that programme, we will be able to back it up with science and common sense". In April, Mr Healy-Rae said farmers wanted to plant peatland. "Farmers do not want to plant their green ground, because they have worked so hard to get the bit they have. They broke their backs and bones to make the land green, and they do not want to plant trees on it, but instead use it for grazing," he said. He said things had not been as bad with regard to planting since 1946. He revealed he hoped to improve the agroforestry scheme. "To be blunt, I do not agree with the terms of the scheme at present. They are not good enough. "The first bit of advice I would give to a farmer who wants to plant agroforestry at the moment is to wait until we improve the scheme." He also revealed there would be a reconstitution scheme. Landowners can take out the 25,000 hectares damaged by Storm Éowyn and can retrospectively apply for the reconstitution scheme. "I just hope we will be able to put together the money to make it strong enough to take the harm out of having to replant". He said some of the damaged timber might not be heavy enough, resulting in a smaller-than-expected payment from sawmills, and landowners would not want to overspend on replanting to get back to where they started. He also revealed an ambition that every privately owned forest in Ireland would be certified. "Certifying a forest will give people an interest in their forest again. I am not looking to put an imposition of money on them. My aim is that the department will be paying for it". Mr Healy-Rae said every farmer in the country, whether they have forestry or not, should be entitled to carbon credits. "In my infinite wisdom, many years ago, I automatically assumed that carbon credits were going to be a big thing of the future. I thought we would own them, could trade them, and that they would be a valuable commodity. Unfortunately, we have not got there yet. It is something we all aspire to," he said. Read More Irish forestry leaves little for nature — the whole sector needs to change
