The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) issued 278 forestry licences in the first month of the year.

This marks a 47% increase on the 189 licences granted by the department in January 2025.

Last month, DAFM issued 47 afforestation licences, covering 349ha.

The figures show that up to January 30, 60ha was planted, with this figure reflecting afforestation that has been paid at first grant stage this year to date only, including the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS).

148 felling licences were issued in January for 1,614ha, of which the vast majority (125) were for private forestry and the remaining 23 were granted to Coillte.

83 roads licences have been granted for 29km of forestry roads. Some 11km of roads were constructed up to the end of January.

Forestry

The latest data also shows that 66 applications were approved last month for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, covering 221ha.

18 applications have been approved for the Woodland Improvement Scheme covering 100ha.

16 approvals were issued for the NTAS relating to 16ha, and 11 for the Deer Tree Shelter scheme (37ha).

Three applications have been granted for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Scheme relating to 18ha.

Two licences were issued for the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme for 18ha.

The department confirmed that it had received 145 valid licence applications in January 2026, including 37 for afforestation, 53 for private felling, and 55 for roads.

DAFM has also received four appeals relating to afforestation so far this year, four on tree felling, and two for forest roads.