The Social, Economic Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) has emphasized the critical need for the government’s review of the current forestry programme to tackle the core issues within the sector. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has committed to this review, acknowledging that certain proposed changes may need to be notified to the European Commission under State Aid Rules. SEEFA has welcomed the minister’s pledge but is urging the government to expedite the review process to address key obstacles impeding the sector’s growth.
The association has outlined specific points that it believes the mid-term review must focus on, including the promotion and education of forestry benefits through collaboration with the private sector, ensuring the efficient and affordable delivery of licenses, engaging private stakeholders in regulatory discussions, and conducting thorough research on land use and eligibility criteria for forestry initiatives. SEEFA Chair Padraig Egan emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in enhancing the industry and achieving Ireland’s economic and environmental objectives.
The current forestry programme has fallen short of its annual target, achieving just over 20% of the goal of 8,000 hectares between 2023 and the present day. In 2023, only 1,652 hectares were planted, with 789 afforestation licenses issued, 87 kilometers of road licenses granted, and 33,416 hectares approved for felling. SEEFA has described this year as one of the industry’s worst, noting ongoing challenges in planting and felling activities.
While there have been slight improvements in afforestation and road licensing in 2024, the sector continues to struggle with planting and felling operations. Recent forestry data released by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) indicates that 3,990 hectares have been approved for planting this year, with 479 licenses issued and 514 valid applications received. Egan stressed the urgency of taking immediate action to ensure the sustainability and growth of Ireland’s forestry sector.
“The longer we delay, the longer it will take for the sector’s outlook to improve. Immediate action is crucial for the sustainability and growth of Ireland’s forestry sector,” Egan emphasized.
