Forest and woodland planting way behind schedule

Tom Elliott, the Ulster Unionist spokesman on Agriculture and Rural Development, has criticised Minister Gildernew after learning that official targets set for the planting of forest and woodland are far behind schedule.

In a statement the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said: "Under the programme of government it was agreed that by 2011 there would be a total of 1650 hectares of new woodland planted in Northern Ireland. This was an achievable aim, and one which is vitally important for sustaining the environment. However, despite DARD making commitments to meet this target I have discovered that as off December 2009 the current total of new woodland sits at only 426 hectares, barely over a quarter of what was agreed."

"Obviously it is now going to be extremely difficult, if not nigh on impossible, to meet these targets. While I appreciate that the Minister has pressing matters in terms of the sustainability of the rural economy, and I have made it clear that defending farmers interests is absolutely vital, we should not find ourselves in a situation whereby neglect of this important matter is bringing shame on the department."

"The fact that the target is so out of reach should not deter officials from seeking to plant as much new woodland as possible. Minister Gildernew needs to respond accordingly and ensure the necessary action is taken."