Recent improvements in licensing are making afforestation more attractive to landowners, according to the Social, Economic and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA).
The latest forestry data, published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), shows that 17 afforestation licences for 120ha were issued in the first week of October.
Figures for the week ending Friday, October 4, show that a total of 3,810ha has been approved for planting so far this year, with 453 licences issued and a total of 496 valid applications received.
During the month of September, 73 licences were granted for new planting by the department covering 586ha.
The total area planted so far this year now stands at 1,297ha, which the department noted only reflects afforestation that has been paid at first grant stage this year-to-date.
“It is encouraging to see that weeks with [afforestation] licensing below 50% of the target pace appear to be behind us.
“Although there remains considerable room for improvement, farmers and landowners should feel more confident that afforestation represents a valuable use of their land, with the licensing process becoming increasingly attainable,” SEEFA said.
Despite a strong performance the previous week, SEEFA said that “low felling numbers have again become a significant cause for concern, reverting to previously unsustainable levels”.
There were 9 private and 34 Coillte felling licences issued by the department last week.
The DAFM data shows 771 private and 851 Coillte felling licences have been granted year-to-date relating to 5,361ha.
“Felling is essential to the forestry sector, with numerous industries depending on its successful output.
“Considering the current suspension on log imports from Scotland, we must address this issue promptly to prevent supply disruptions,” SEEFA said.
11 licences were approved by the department last week for a total of 3km of forestry roads.
The DAFM data shows that so far this year 55km of forestry roads have been constructed around the country.