An estimated 248,692ha of forestry is owned by farmers according to Minister of State, Michael Healy-Rae.

Minister Healy-Rae said in response to a question from Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny that land ownership is verified when processing forestry grant applications.

The Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme include an annual income tax free premium payment for applicants, the minister said.

"These are made for a period of 20 years for applicants with farmer status and 15 years for other applicants.

"The status of applicants is differentiated between farmers and other applicants, which will include individuals and corporate entities."

Forestry ownership

The minister said Coillte CGA was established as a commercial state company with private limited status under the Forestry Act 1988 to "become custodian and manager of the national forest estate".

"Coillte’s purpose is to manage state forests on behalf of the people of Ireland and currently manages 440,000ha of land, mostly forestry," Minister Healy-Rae said.

"The most recent data available estimates that 248,692ha of forestry is owned by farmers, with other applicants owning 160,532ha."

According to the most recent National Forest Inventory in 2022, 49.1% of forest land is in public ownership (all state-owned forests including Coillte) and 50.9% in private ownership.

"In addition, 82% of the area afforested since 1980 has been established by farmers," the minister added.