Choosing next forestry minister is 'crucial' for govt - SEEFA
The Social, Economic, Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) has expressed disappointment at Michael Healy-Rae’s resignation as Minister of State for forestry, farm safety, and horticulture.
Healy-Rae announced his resignation in the Dáil on Tuesday, April 14 during the confidence debate on the government’s response to the fuel crisis.
The TD said at that time that the government had “let the people of Ireland down” and failed to listen to workers, farmers, and contractors.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) official ministerial page confirms that a new Minister of State has not yet been appointed.
This resignation comes at a critical time for Irish forestry, according to SEEFA.
Healy-Rae took office in January 2025, following a period of low planting, reduced confidence, and underperforming policy, absent of any significant private-sector consultation, the association has stated.
The Climate Action Plan targets 8,000ha of afforestation annually by 2030, but SEEFA has outlined that only 1,651ha were planted in 2023 and 1,573ha in 2024.
In contrast, the 2014-2020 Forestry Programme averaged 5,500ha per year.
SEEFA chairperson, Paddy Bruton said: “Michael Healy-Rae came into office following years of challenges and government mismanagement in the forestry sector.
"Planting had declined, confidence was low, and many doubted the department’s ability to address the issues on the ground.
"He inherited one of the most difficult periods for Irish forestry in generations, with ineffective policies and a programme that could not meet national needs without substantial change.
“He brought a new tone and showed a real willingness to engage," Bruton added.
SEEFA said that Healy-Rae's approach helped bring the public and private sector closer together when it was most needed.
Forestry achievements
SEEFA noted specific achievements during Healy-Rae's tenure included a solid response to storm damage, establishing the Forest Windblow Taskforce, the Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme, and his willingness to collaborate with the private sector.
His focus on licence turnaround targets was an important step, committing to six- and nine-month targets for relevant files, according to SEEFA.
The Mid-Term Review of the 2023-2027 Forestry Programme was delivered in March this year.
According to SEEFA, DAFM stated this review would:
- Increase fencing grant rates and allowances;
- Raise agroforestry premium rates;
- Enhance grant rates for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot and Forest Road schemes;
- Launch two new agroforestry pilot schemes;
- Simplify the farmer definition so applicants need only pass the Active Farmer check and have received a valid Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) payment before planting.
The current Afforestation Scheme now offers agroforestry premium support of up to €1,170/ha.
While SEEFA maintains these measures fall short of what is needed, they acknowledge that they represent real progress.
Spokesperson for SEEFA, Teige Ryan said: “We thank Minister Healy-Rae and his team for their engagement with our members, the wider industry, and landowners.
"His tenure provided greater openness to direct engagement and a clearer recognition that progress depends on collaboration with those delivering forestry on the ground.
“The key thing now is to keep this work moving forward.
"Choosing the next minister is a crucial decision for the government and DAFM."
SEEFA has said that forestry needs a new leader who is ready to work directly with the private sector and landowners, understands the size of the challenges ahead, and is willing to keep building on what has started.
"Ireland cannot afford to lose momentum again. The future of the sector depends a lot on who is chosen next."
