Forestry planting levels have yet to gain any momentum from the improvement in afforestation licensing, according to the Social, Economic and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA).
The latest forestry statistics, published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) shows that 45ha have been planted so far in October, with the annual total now standing at just over 1,300ha.
The figures for afforestation planted in 2024 reflect afforestation that has been paid at first grant stage this year to date only, including the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS).
“We are only on track to reach around 1,700ha for the year, which is considerably below the target of 8,000ha.
“It is important for the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine to build on their progress to ensure a positive start for 2025. Landowners and farmers are eager to plant, and forestry initiatives begin with licensing,” SEEFA said.
Forestry
The latest data for the week ending October 11, shows that total forestry licensing, including Coillte felling, has dropped below 60 licences in a week for the first time in over nine weeks.
“While afforestation licences remain at workable levels, the numbers for felling and road licences are significantly lower,” SEEFA noted.
The department issued 17 afforestation licences for just over 120ha in the second week of October.
A total of 3,911ha has been approved for planting so far this year, with 470 afforestation licences issued and a total of 502 valid applications received.
There were 12 private and 14 Coillte felling licences issued by the department last week.
The DAFM data shows 783 private and 865 Coillte felling licences have been granted year-to-date relating to 18,372ha.
In 2023, the felling licences, both private and Coillte, covered 33,416ha.
Department officials have also granted 707 forestry roads licences this year for 267km of roads. Up to last Friday, some 56km of forestry roads have been constructed.
The data also shows that 624 approvals have been issued under the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme covering 2,242ha.
There has been 301 licences issued for the NTAS (326ha) year-to-date, and 153 for the Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS) covering 827ha.