As mentioned in my previous answer on this issue, the Climate Action Plan 2019 sets the target for afforestation at 8,000 ha per annum and the target of forest roadworks at 125km per annum. While there are no specific targets for felling, the COFORD Roundwood Forecast predicts a potential harvest of 4.1 million cubic metres in 2021.
As noted, the Department has committed to issuing 4,500 forestry licences this year. While we have not set individual targets for each type of licence based on the proportion of licences issued in 2020, we could surmise that approx. 65% of these will be tree felling licences, 20% will be for afforestation and the balance for forest roads. These figures, of course, must be treated as an estimate of how output will break down across the licensing categories.
Based on this estimate, we could expect that sufficient felling licences will issue this year to ensure continued supply of timber to the sawmills. Coillte has already received nearly 100% of its licensing requirements for 2021. As Coillte’s timber output supplies 75%-80% of sawlog, the balance will be delivered though private felling licences that will issue throughout the year.
As regards roads, my Department has already issued forest road licences for 65km so far this year which is already over half the target of 125km set out in the Climate Action Plan 2019. It is, therefore, expected that the road licences issued for the remainder of the year will exceed this target.
Regarding afforestation, based on the above estimate, around 900 licences could issue this year, which we would expect to represent over 5,000 hectares. This allied to the 4,500 hectares already licenced and ready for use will give the sector sufficient volume to help meet the 8,000 ha target. It is up to landowners to decide to plant, once they have received approval to do so, but arranging financial approval is a straightforward process completed by their registered forester, before proceeding to plant. It is a matter for all stakeholders to utilise the licences available and I would encourage all stakeholders to do so.
