Forestry planting up 130%

In the first quarter of 2025, Ireland saw a 130% surge in new forestry planting compared to the same period in 2024, according to data released by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Friday.

Since January, 627 hectares have been planted, with over 6,000 hectares licensed and ready for planting.

Ireland currently has more than 24,000 forest owners, including 19,500 farmers, who have planted trees. The Forestry Programme 2023-27 offers twelve distinct forest types, alongside the small-scale Native Tree Area Scheme.

Minister of State, Michael Healy-Rae TD, said, “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.”

The Minister of State continued, “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.”

The Department said there will be an opportunity for stakeholders and interested parties to submit proposals under a Call for Promotion Proposals 2025-26 launched this week.

See here.