The Social, Economic and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) has once again criticized the inconsistency in forestry licensing in the country. According to the latest forestry statistics released by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the number of afforestation licenses issued in the second week of December dropped significantly compared to the previous week. In the week ending December 6, 18 afforestation licenses were issued, while only 9 were issued in the following 7-day period. This fluctuation in licensing numbers has raised concerns within the forestry sector.
SEEFA expressed disappointment over the lack of sustained growth in afforestation licenses, noting that the initial spike in December turned out to be an anomaly. The association highlighted the importance of addressing the ongoing inconsistency in licensing, especially at a time when demand for licenses is expected to be high. SEEFA emphasized the need for the incoming government to engage with stakeholders in the forestry industry to understand the impact of the current licensing situation on landowners, foresters, and rural communities.
In terms of afforestation approvals, a total of 4,671 hectares have been approved for planting this year, with 569 licenses issued and 583 valid applications received. This marks a notable increase compared to the figures from previous years, with 789 hectares approved in 2023 and 4,972 hectares in 2022. The total area planted so far this year stands at 1,559 hectares, reflecting afforestation that has been paid at the first grant stage in 2024. In comparison, 1,652 hectares were planted in 2023 and 2,273 hectares in 2022.
As part of efforts to combat emissions and promote afforestation, the previous government set a target to increase afforestation to 8,000 hectares per annum by 2030. The most recent data from the DAFM shows that 13 private and 15 Coillte felling licenses were issued in the week ending December 13. Year-to-date, 937 private and 1,000 Coillte felling licenses have been granted, covering nearly 21,400 hectares. Additionally, 17 forestry roads licenses were issued in the same week, bringing the total number of licenses for roads to 831, covering 315 kilometers, with 73 kilometers of roads constructed this year.
The data also reveals that 702 licenses have been issued this year under the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, covering 2,488 hectares. Furthermore, 342 licenses have been approved for the Native Area Tree Scheme (NTAS) for 369 hectares, 201 licenses for the Deer Tree Shelter scheme (DTS) for 860 hectares, 180 licenses under the Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS) for 1,001 hectares, and 10 licenses for the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme, covering 79 hectares.
The forestry sector in Ireland continues to face challenges in licensing and afforestation, with stakeholders calling for greater consistency and engagement from the government to address these issues and promote sustainable forestry practices in the country.
