The new Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027, which was launched on 6th September, supports the largest, most farmer-friendly investment in forestry in the history of the State, and the Afforestation Scheme is now open to applications.
It is the case that environmental considerations must be complied with as part of our State Aid approval and each application will require a detailed assessment process and consideration by applicants of the impact of afforestation on peats, birds and high nature value farmland.
Broadleaf trees planted to fulfil the 20% requirement must satisfy the rules underpinning the relevant Forest Type they are being planted under and adhere to the silvicultural standards in the new Forestry Programme.
The 20% broadleaf requirement will be achievable on the vast majority of sites, however, as was the case in previous Forestry programmes, there will be some sites that are unsuitable for afforestation and therefore ineligible for the Afforestation Scheme. These include a range of sites that are deemed to be unsuitable due to infertile conditions, and/or other inhibiting site or environmental factors, for example habitats on wet and dry heath and blanket and raised bog.
Documents available on the Departments website outline the criteria for suitable sites for Afforestation, namely ‘Land Types for Afforestation, ‘Environmental Requirements for Afforestation’ and the ‘Forest Standards manual’. These documents can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/e384e-forestry-grants-and-schemes/#schemes-offered-under-forestry-programme-2014-2022
