Afforestation Scheme

The Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 provides financial support to encourage the planting of trees on land not previously under forest. Increasing the country’s forested area helps to tackle climate change, increases biodiversity and provides sustainable jobs in the rural economy. There are 12 Forest Types to choose from. See Afforestation Scheme document for details.

You must be over 18 years of age and must hold a Personal Public Service Number to apply. Companies must provide their company registration details. You must be the owner, leaseholder or joint manager of the land at the time of the application. Read the terms of the scheme to see the limited exemptions to this rule.

Land must remain under forest cover and therefore is subject to a replanting obligation for all grant categories. All afforestation projects must get prior written technical approval. Financial approval is also needed for grant-aided projects before work can commence.

This document provides the terms and conditions of the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027. The Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 provides financial support to encourage the planting of trees on land not previously under forest.

Forests established under this Scheme must meet the required silvicultural standards of the Scheme and must be managed in accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management.

Financial support is provided for both the establishment and maintenance of new forests and woodlands. Set-up grants cover up to 100% of total costs.

Grants are available for the establishment and maintenance of forests. Fencing rates are also available.

An annual premium of up to €1,142 per hectare is available, depending on the species of trees planted.

To find out how much you could be paid under the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027, click on the Forestry and Fencing Payments calculator below.

Grant Rates

• Additional payment of €1,000 per ha will be paid to landowner on completion of planting

** Grant includes Trails, Seats & Signage Facilities payment

*** Grant includes Facilities payment

Fencing Rates

The maximum metres of fencing funded will be based on the total lengths of new fences erected to Forest Service specifications and based on the area of the forest multiplied by 160 metres, where IS436 is used exclusively, irrespective of fence type erected. Maximum fencing cap of €50,000 per forest. Where non IS436 deer fencing is used a cap of 150 metres per ha will apply to the deer fencing element and capped at €2,100 per ha.

Applications for approval must be made through a registered forester

For queries see contact details below:

Forestry – Approvals & Afforestation Licences

1. Contact your Local Teagasc Advisor

Start by getting in touch with your Teagasc advisor or independent advice, who can tell you if your land is suitable for forestry, how establishing a forest might impact other farming payments, and the various grant and premium options available.

2. Make an Appointment with a Registered Forester

We approve registered foresters to submit licence applications on behalf of landowners.

You can ask them to handle the planting, establishment, and management of your forest.

All paperwork at pre-planting, post-planting and at the second grant instalment stage must be submitted by a registered forester.

It is important to note that an afforestation licence is required for all new forest projects (with the exception of the Native Tree Area Scheme, where no licence is required, see scheme document for more details) where the area involved is greater than 0.1 hectares (approximately 0.25 acres).

We recommend contacting several companies to discuss your options and once satisfied, you can sign a contract with the registered forester, and retain the services of a solicitor.

List of registered foresters

3. How to Apply for a Grant

Your registered forester will submit the application on your behalf. You will need decide at this stage if you want your forester to look after planting, establishing, and maintaining the forest (for the first four years) or if you wish to do it yourself.

You may need to consult an ecologist at application stage depending on the circumstances of your land.

See a list of Native Woodland Scheme Ecologists.

Directory of Professional Ecologists for Forestry Projects

4. How to get Paid after Planting Trees and Tree Maintenance

Planting can begin once you receive written technical approval with an afforestation licence and your forester has applied for financial approval.

Once completed, the first grant is payable to cover the costs associated with establishing the forest.

The balance is paid by way of a second grant four years after planting following successful establishment of the forest. Grant levels are dependent on tree species and soil type.

5. How to Apply for a Forestry Premium – Watch Video Tutorial

The first premium is payable once planting has been completed.

The forest owner is responsible for ensuring the forest is maintained in accordance with best forest practice.

Log on to www.agfood.ie to apply online for a forest premium.

Watch this video outlining how to complete the online application