Ireland’s forests expanded by over 1,500 hectares in 2024, with €73.2 million invested in planting, maintenance, road infrastructure, and premium payments.

That is according to the Forest Statistics Ireland 2025 report published today by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Launching the report, Minister of State for Forestry, Michael Healy-Rae TD, described the publication as a vital tool for forest owners, farmers, and policymakers, highlighting the growing importance of forestry in Ireland’s climate and rural development goals.

Key Stats from Forest Statistics Ireland 2025:

€73.2 million was spent by the Department on forestry supports in 2024, including grants and infrastructure.
1,573 hectares of new forest were planted, with Cork (166 ha) and Kerry (128 ha) leading the way.
54% of newly planted trees were broadleaves, matching 2023 levels.
Since 1980, 24,121 private landowners have received grants to establish forests.
82% of afforestation on private land has been by farmers, with 57% of afforested land in 2023 farmer-owned.
In 2024, 51% of afforestation was carried out by landowners aged 60+, up from 40% over 2006–2024.
77 km of new private forest roads were constructed in 2024, helping mobilise more timber for harvest.
358 seed collection permits were issued, a 48% increase on 2023, covering both native broadleaf and commercial conifer species.
3,798 hectares were licensed for thinning and 18,053 hectares for clearfelling in 2024.
Ireland’s forests removed 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2023 — up 270,000 tonnes on 2022.

Forestry’s Future: Ageing Owners, Carbon Storage, and Infrastructure Growth

The report shows a trend towards older landowners engaging in afforestation, with over half of newly planted areas in 2024 owned by people over 60. It also highlights the vital role forests play in carbon sequestration — removing nearly 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents in a single year.

Road building remains key to unlocking private timber reserves, with road construction averaging 80 km annually since 2020, as timber output is projected to double by 2030.

Sector Snapshot: Employment and Certification

Private forest certification stands at 33,947 hectares, with most certified forests still in public ownership.
Forestry sector employment dropped to 2,138 in 2022 (down from 2,468 in 2016), but jobs in wood processing rose to 4,274.

Minister Healy-Rae: “Forestry is Becoming a Viable Option for Farmers”

The Minister noted improvements in licensing efficiency and increased financial supports under the Forestry Programme 2023–2027, which are helping make forestry a more attractive option despite competing land use pressures.

“Forestry is supported by long-term planning, and this report gives us the data to back climate-resilient, economically sound decisions,” he said.

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