The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) said it has issued a total of 445 forestry licences since the start of the year.

The latest data, published by the department, shows that up to Friday (February 27), 74 afforestation licences were issued for 593ha.

This is down on the 665ha for which afforestation licences were granted in the first two months of 2025.

The data shows that 164ha has been planted this year. The department noted that the figures for afforestation planted in 2026 reflect afforestation that has been paid at first grant stage this year to date only, including the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS).

DAFM

A total of 242 felling licences have been granted so far this year, covering 2,840ha.

213 of the felling licences were issued to private forestry owners, with 29 granted for Coillte plantations.

129 licences have been issued for 48km of forestry roads. The data shows that 19km of roads have been constructed this year.

A total of 948 valid licence applications have been received by the department since January 1.

This includes 72 applications for afforestation, 135 for private felling, 636 for Coillte felling, and 105 for forestry roads.

Forestry

The latest data also shows that 96 applications have been approved this year for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, covering 318ha.

35 applications have been approved for the Woodland Improvement Scheme relating to 188ha.

25 approvals were issued for the NTAS covering 26ha, and 15 for the Deer Tree Shelter scheme (49ha).

Nine applications have been granted for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Scheme covering 49ha.

Three licences were issued for the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme for 35ha.

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