The number of forestry felling licences issued so far this year has risen by 17 per cent, marking the strongest output since the launch of Ireland’s 2023–2027 Forestry Programme.

More than 11,200 hectares of private forestry have been licensed in 2025, with officials reporting faster turnaround times and improved processing systems within the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Most licences are now issued within six months, compared with considerably longer waits in previous years.

Nearly twice as many new forests have been created this year compared with the same period in 2024, while felling activity has returned to levels not seen since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The department has attributed the gains to streamlined procedures and a stronger emphasis on supporting landowners through the licensing process. Forestry industry representatives have also noted a rise in applications and greater engagement from farmers exploring forestry as part of a mixed land-use model.

To encourage further participation, the Department and Teagasc are hosting a series of Let’s Talk Trees information evenings for landowners across the country. The first event took place in Galway on Tuesday, with further sessions planned in Kerry, Meath and Kilkenny over the coming weeks.

The meetings aim to inform farmers about available grants, premium payments and diversification options, as well as to provide one-to-one advice from forestry specialists. Officials say the recent increase in licence activity and the outreach programme signal a more stable and responsive system designed to boost planting rates and ensure long-term sustainability in the sector.