The Social, Economic, and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) has raised concerns as last week marked the lowest weekly total of forestry licences issued in 2025. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) issued a total of 26 licences, seven relating to afforestation, nine road licences and 10 for felling. A total of 571ha of forestry has been planted so far this year, which marks a significant increase from 273ha planted in the first full three months of 2024 and 195ha in 2023. The figures from DAFM for afforestation planted in 2025 reflect afforestation that has been paid at first grant stage this year to date only under the Native Area Tree Scheme (NTAS). The department has issued a total of 111 afforestation licences in 2025 relating to 805ha of planted forestry, with 85 valid applications received. However, the afforestation target under Ireland’s Forest Strategy 2023-2030 is 8,000ha annually. SEEFA stated that the “ongoing pattern of underperformance” is “widening the gap” between Ireland’s current forestry coverage and the annual target of 8,000ha. SEEFA
“Only 26 forestry licenses were issued last week, marking the lowest weekly total in 2025 and equalling some of the poorest weeks of 2023,” SEEFA stated. “Combined with recent storm damage, continued licensing failures will ensure that our forestry efforts are all in vain, and the Irish forestry estate will crumble, with planting resulting in a net negative. This must be fixed now,” the association added. A total of 173 applications for felling licence applications have been submitted to DAFM by Coillte, and 203 private felling licences have been sought. Three licences were issued for forestry thinning last week, relating to 20ha, and seven licences have been issued for clear fell forestry, relating to 93ha.
The concerns raised by SEEFA come at a critical time for Ireland’s forestry sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s economy, environment, and social fabric. The low number of licences issued last week raises questions about the government’s ability to meet the ambitious afforestation targets set out in the Forest Strategy 2023-2030. With only 571ha of forestry planted so far this year, there is a clear gap between current progress and the annual target of 8,000ha. SEEFA’s warning about the potential consequences of continued underperformance is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
The impact of the low number of forestry licences issued extends beyond just numbers on paper. It has real-world implications for Ireland’s forests, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration efforts. Without sufficient planting and management, the health and sustainability of Ireland’s forestry estate are at risk. The recent storm damage, combined with the licensing challenges, paints a worrying picture of the state of Ireland’s forests. Urgent intervention is required to address these issues and ensure the long-term viability of the forestry sector.
In addition to the concerns raised by SEEFA, the data on felling licences also highlights challenges facing the forestry industry. With a total of 173 applications for felling licences from Coillte and 203 private felling licences sought, there is a significant demand for these licences. However, the issuance of only a few licences for forestry thinning and clear fell forestry raises questions about the efficiency of the licensing process. Delays in obtaining felling licences can have serious implications for forest management and timber supply chains.
The forestry sector in Ireland is at a critical juncture, with the need for sustainable management practices and effective policy implementation more pressing than ever. The government must address the issues surrounding forestry licensing to ensure that Ireland’s forests can thrive and contribute to the country’s environmental and economic goals. SEEFA’s call for immediate action is a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing the health and sustainability of Ireland’s forestry sector.
