The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 aims to expand the national forest estate, encompassing both public and private lands, in a manner that will provide lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, water quality, wood production, economic development, employment, and the overall quality of life. It is the most environmentally-friendly programme to date, and encompasses measures which promote sustainable forest management.
The new Afforestation Scheme under the Programme offers land owners a choice of 12 Forest Types, and attractive premiums and grants, with 20 year premiums available to farmers. My Department has the capacity to issue 1,000 new afforestation licences in 2024, under our Forestry Licencing Plan, to facilitate increased planting. This will of course be dependent on uptake and I will continue to work with all stakeholders to encourage a substantial increase in afforestation applications and to remind those with active licences to plant trees. It is worth noting that we have approved 1,599 hectares of afforestation since the new Scheme opened in September, 2023.
In terms of roads applications, my Department issued 8 road licences in January 2023 and 67 in January 2024. As regards felling licences, there are two types, thinning licences and felling licences. In January 2023 my Department issued 45 thinning licences and 205 clearfell licences. This compares to 18 thinning licences and 183 clearfell licences in 2024. All such licences are assessed so that they fully comply with environmental requirements and furthermore my Department has published guidance on tree felling and crop management here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/19b8d-tree-felling-licences/
The Native Tree Area Scheme supports small scale planting of native trees which enhance biodiversity and contribute to diversity in the forest estate and in consequence will impact positively on overall forest health. Support will take the form of an establishment grant and annual premium payments over a ten year period totalling €22,060 per hectare for NTA 1 and €22,840 per hectare for NTA 2. Applicants can have approval in a matter of weeks and to date there are 62 decisions issued.
I am keenly aware of the impact of Ash Dieback which is why a detailed Ash dieback action plan is being prepared by my colleague Minister of State Pippa Hackett for submission to Cabinet for approval in the very near future. This will outline comprehensive actions by my Department to deal with the issue of ash dieback. Detailed deliberations are taking place to ensure an efficient, appropriate and proportionate response and to ensure that biodiversity is maintained on these sites.
I remain committed to working closely with the forestry sector, to support landowners to plant and manage their forests in a manner that will provide lasting climate, biodiversity, wood production, employment and wider societal benefits.
