The Forest Roads Scheme is a voluntary Scheme under the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 and is available to forest owners and provides opportunities to improve access to forests to facilitate forest management and the harvesting of timber. The rate payable is €45 per metre.
The objectives of the scheme are to:
- Stimulate the mobilisation of roundwood from forests and thereby contribute to employment and economic activity;
- Provide funding for the construction of forest roads and associated infrastructure such as bell-mouths, turn-tables, drains, culverts and bridges.
Applications for the Forest Roads Scheme must be made through a Registered Forester. Agreement of neighbouring land owners may be required, where there is a question of access, or right of way, but this is an issue for the applicant. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the possible impact on the surrounding environment and applications are open to public consultation.