The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) issued licences for 2,043ha of afforestation in the first seven months of 2025.

The latest forestry data shows the department issued 267 afforestation licences by August 1, while 275 valid afforestation applications had been received.

Some 1,775ha have been planted so far this year, with the highest amount of planting occuring in April (378ha).

The department noted that the figures for afforestation planted in 2025 reflect afforestation that has been paid at first grant stage this year to date only, including the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS).

Up to August 1, DAFM had issued 591 private felling licences, with 791 applications being submitted.

There has been 201 felling licences issued for Coillte sites; the State-owned commercial forestry business has lodged 514 felling applications.

Overall, the department has issued felling licences for 9,938ha so far this year.

376 licences have been granted for 136km of forestry roads, with 49km constructed by August 1.

The figures also show that 307 licences issued by the department so far this year for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, relating to 988ha.

153 licences have been approved for the NTAS (168ha), 110 for the Woodland Improvement Scheme (640ha) and 81 for the Deer Tree Shelter scheme (373ha).

38 licences have been issued for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Scheme covering 226ha.

Six licences have been issued for the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme this year for 47ha.

The department has received 31 appeals relating to afforestation so far this year, 13 on forest roads and 23 on tree felling.