The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has been busy this year, issuing a total of 84 afforestation licences covering 603 hectares of land. The latest forestry data released by the department reveals that as of last Friday (February 21), there were 64 valid afforestation applications in the pipeline. Since the beginning of 2025, 222 hectares of forestry have already been planted. It’s worth noting that this figure includes afforestation projects that have received payment at the first grant stage this year, including those under the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS).
Ireland’s Forest Strategy for the years 2023-2030 sets an annual afforestation target of 8,000 hectares. In 2024, a total of 1,573 hectares were planted, with a slightly higher figure of 1,652 hectares in the previous year. DAFM’s data also indicates that up to February 21, 125 private felling licences and 32 Coillte licences, covering a combined area of 2,269 hectares, have been issued. Coillte has submitted 173 applications for felling to DAFM, while private entities have sought 123 felling licences. This year, 78 licences have been granted for the construction of 29 kilometers of forestry roads, with 22 kilometers already completed by February 21.
So far in 2025, DAFM has issued a total of 409 licences for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, relating to 158 hectares of land. Additionally, 33 licences have been approved for the NTAS (covering 39 hectares), 13 for the Woodland Improvement Scheme (78 hectares), and 7 for the Deer Tree Shelter scheme (68 hectares). Only one licence has been issued for the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme this year, covering 5 hectares. The department has also confirmed that they have received a total of 7 appeals related to afforestation, 3 for forest roads, and 1 concerning tree felling.
In summary, the forestry sector in Ireland is seeing significant activity in terms of afforestation, felling licences, and various conservation schemes. The data provided by DAFM offers valuable insights into the current state of forestry management in the country, highlighting both achievements and ongoing challenges in sustainable forest development.
