Minister Healy-Rae welcomes increased forestry planting figures in first quarter of 2025
- Published on: 11 April 2025
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae, has welcomed the increased new forestry planting that has taken place since the beginning of 2025, while also noting the fact that more than 6,000 hectares is licensed and available to plant.
The Minister of State said:
“I really welcome the figures on new planting since January, at 627 hectares. This is up 130% on what it was at the same time last year. In addition, there are more than 6,000 hectares shovel ready, that is, approved and not yet planted. The Forestry Programme is the best-funded ever, and I really want to encourage those landowners with approvals to consider proceeding with planting, so that they can benefit from the new and very attractive grants and premiums for a period of up to 20 years. To date in 2025, €43 million has been paid in grants and premiums to forest owners.”
There are currently over 24,000 forest owners (19,500 farmers) who have planted trees in Ireland. With planting and fencing grants that cover setup costs, plus annual premiums for up to 20 years that are income tax-free, forestry is a very attractive option, especially for farmers. There are twelve different forest types, in addition to the small-scale Native Tree Area Scheme, available under the Forestry Programme 2023-27.
The Minister of State continued:
“I must acknowledge that the afforestation scheme is demand-led, and uptake has not met targets in recent years, but I am committed to promoting what is a valuable land-use option in every way I can. I also want to acknowledge the impact that Storm Éowyn, with 24,000 hectares of fallen trees, might have on confidence in tree planting in the short term. However, I acted quickly in establishing the Forest Windblow Taskforce, and I am working with stakeholders and forestry owners to deal with this new challenge. I am determined to provide the best outcomes for forest owners and for the industry in these circumstances.”
Concluding, the Minister said:
“My department will be pursuing a comprehensive communications strategy to promote the forestry options to farmers and other landowners by using every messaging channel available.”
Notes
The department will continue to engage in advertising on national and local radio, print and social media. There will also be an opportunity for stakeholders and interested parties to submit proposals under a Call for Promotion Proposals 2025-26 launched this week.