The Social, Economic, and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) has raised alarms over the recent surge in forestry licences issued, despite the significant damage inflicted by Storm Éowyn. A staggering 24,000 hectares of forestry lay in ruins following the destructive storm, as confirmed by initial satellite assessments conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Coillte.
According to the latest data from the forestry dashboard, the department granted 10 private felling licences and 15 Coillte felling licences last week, covering a total of 221 hectares. This marked a stark contrast to the previous week, where 19 private felling licences were issued, with none allocated to Coillte. Additionally, there were 9 licences granted for 4 kilometers of forest roads, a notable decrease from the 18 issued in the preceding week. SEEFA expressed deep concern over these figures, particularly in light of Storm Éowyn’s devastating impact on over 23,500 hectares of forest land.
As of February 28, DAFM had issued a cumulative total of 135 private felling licences and 47 Coillte felling licences, covering a combined area of 2,489 hectares. The department has received a total of 146 private felling licence applications and 173 Coillte felling licence applications thus far in the year. Notably, 87 licences were granted for the construction of 33 kilometers of forestry roads, while data indicated that 23 kilometers of roads have been built in 2025.
In the realm of afforestation, DAFM issued 12 licences last week, a decrease from the 15 licences issued in the previous week. SEEFA highlighted that the number of afforestation licences fell short of meeting the weekly demand, further impeding planting activities and hindering the sector’s recovery efforts. The association emphasized the urgent need for swift action to streamline the licensing process, bolster recovery initiatives, and safeguard Ireland’s forest cover.
This year, a total of 96 afforestation licences have been approved, covering approximately 665 hectares, while 72 applications are currently under review. Notably, 264 hectares of new forestry have been planted since the beginning of 2025. DAFM clarified that this figure includes afforestation projects that have received initial grant payments this year, including those under the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS).
Moreover, DAFM has issued 62 licences this year for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, relating to 200 hectares of land. Additionally, 35 licences have been granted for the NTAS (40 hectares), 13 for the Woodland Improvement Scheme (78 hectares), and 15 for the Deer Tree Shelter Scheme (94 hectares). A single licence has been issued this year for the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme, covering 5 hectares.
