DAFM issued over 30 felling licences last week
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) issued 56 forestry licences last week, over half of which were for felling.
This marks another weekly increase in the number of licences issued by the department, following 43 in the previous week.
According to the latest forestry dashboard, published by the department, 28 of the licences issued last week were for private felling and three were for Coillte felling.
Up to May 2, DAFM had issued a total of 312 private felling licences and 113 Coillte felling licences for a total of 5,251ha.
Last week, there were 11 afforestation licences issued by the department, up from 9 in the previous seven days.
DAFM has now issued 183 afforestation licences in 2025 relating to 1,447ha. Some 127 valid applications have been received by the department.
A total of 1,005ha of forestry has been planted so far this year, with 378ha of that figure planted in April.
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 Area Tree Scheme (NTAS).
There were 14 licences issued for forestry roads last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 222 relating to 77km. The latest data shows that 37km of roads have been constructed this year.
The data also shows that 144 licences issued by the department so far this year for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, relating to 493ha.
90 licences have been approved for the NTAS (98ha), 22 for the Woodland Improvement Scheme (145ha) and 50 for the Deer Tree Shelter scheme (217ha).
9 licences have been issued for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Scheme covering 57ha.
Two licences have been issued for the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme this year for 17ha.
Commenting on the latest data, the Social, Economic, and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) said:
"Although last week's licensing numbers remain around halfway to the ideal weekly target, there was an overall improvement compared to the previous two weeks, signalling a modest recovery following the Easter period.
"While 11 afforestation licenses were issued, these cover only 67 hectares, nearly two-thirds below the required weekly average.
"On a positive note, road and felling licenses have increased, with felling licenses up by 10 from the prior week."
"Inconsistency continues to be a persistent challenge within the current forestry programme.
"Achieving consistently high licensing numbers will not only help Ireland meet its planting targets and environmental ambitions but also enhance confidence within the forestry sector.
"We anticipate further improvements as we approach the 6-9 month mark following the storm damage to Ireland's forests," the association added.
