Forestry Grants and Schemes

The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 was created in alignment with Ireland’s Forest Strategy and as such, is designed to provide lasting benefits for many key areas including climate change, biodiversity, wood production, employment alongside enhancing societal benefits. The Forestry Programme will provide incentives for farmers and other landowners and will provide farm families with the opportunity to increase and diversify their income streams. The Department covers 100% of the costs to establish the forest, and all payments and earnings are income tax free.

State Aid approval has been given for the Forestry Programme 2023-2027. The Afforestation Scheme and Native Tree Area Scheme are now open for applications. Other Schemes and support measures will be introduced on a phased basis over the coming weeks and months.

To plant a forest that suits your farm - please see further information in the Farm Forestry Booklet:

To find out how much you could be paid under the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027, click here to use our calculator.

• Afforestation Scheme
• Native Tree Area Scheme
• Native Woodland Intervention for Remediation of Industrial Cutover Peatlands - Pilot Scheme 2024-2027
• Woodland Environmental Fund

Apply for a premium payment online

From 01 January 2023, all existing forest owners must apply online to receive their annual premium payment. For more information, please see our frequently asked questions document below.

2025 Annual Forestry Premiums FAQs

Make and track an application using iFORIS

Integrated Forestry Information System (iFORIS) allows forest owners registered for online services to apply for annual forestry premium online.

It also allows registered foresters:

Register now for iFORIS through www.agfood.ie and learn more information on iFORIS.

• NeighbourWood Scheme
• Native Woodland Conservation Scheme
• Woodland Improvement Scheme 2023-2027
• Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme
• Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group Scheme 2025
• Forest Road Scheme 2023-2027
• Innovative Forest Technology Scheme - Module 1: Central Tyre Inflation
• Innovative Forest Technology Scheme - Module 2: Investment Aid for the Development of the Forest Tree Nursery Sector 2023-2027
• Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 and Climate Action Performance Payment Scheme
• Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme

• Open Call for Proposals for Forestry Promotion Projects for 2025/2026

• Call for Proposals Forestry Skills Training 2024-2025

Our forestry division must be notified of any change of ownership of a grant-aided plantation during the term of the contract, resulting from death, sale, or transfer of a plantation.

Learn more at Forestry Grant Scheme - Change of Ownership

The public is consulted throughout the licencing process. For more information and/or to make a submission, go to our public consultation page.

To make an appeal, see the Forestry Appeals Committee website.

Watch Video on Forest Owner on how to get started in Forestry

In this video, Jonathan Sykes of Springfield House in Co Limerick, explains the reasons behind planting 20 hectares of broadleaf woodlands 20-years ago. He shares why timely first and second thinnings are essential for better trees.

How to use the Forestry Licence Viewer

The Forestry Licence Viewer map tool allows you to discover information about Ireland's forests.

You can search by application reference number; select an application from the recent applications list; or, to simply zoom in on a site.

Check the online tool here for information on forestry licence applications.

See all of our forestry management tools on our tree felling and management page.

Interim De Minimis Schemes

For applicants with valid technical approval by 31 December 2022, and who wished to plant trees, work on forest roads or reconstitute their forest in early 2023, the Department approved three interim schemes. These measures are not part of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027, and applicants should be aware of strict payment rules that continue for the entirety of the schemes. The Interim De Minimis Afforestation Scheme closed at the end of June 2023. More information, including terms and conditions can be found below:

Interim De Minimis Schemes

Forestry Programme 2014-2022

For a full list of forestry grants and schemes offered through the Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to 2022) please follow this link Schemes offered under the Forestry Programme 2014-2022. These Schemes are not available after 31 December 2022.