An open call has been announced for proposals for forestry skills training.

Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae said this is a dedicated training call, which "builds on the success" of previous tranches.

"The projects that are funded under this call will continue to expand the knowledge and capacity of various important groups in the forestry sector, and will ensure that works continue to be carried out to the highest possible standard," Minister Healy-Rae said.

"Targeted groups include forestry students in higher level education, registered foresters, forestry contractors, ecologists and forest operatives, including those involved in the mobilisation of timber."

Modules

This latest call has two modules, each targeting a different group within the forestry sector.

Module one will be aimed at training students registered on full-time forestry programmes in Ireland at QQI Level 5 and above.

Module one is for proposals aimed at training forestry professionals and others working or considering working within the forestry sector. 

Minister Healy-Rae added: “Appropriate skills training is essential to ensure the forestry industry continues to be safe and productive, whether that be a project to develop practical skills amongst forestry students, or to address the shortages of labour and skilled operatives within the sector.

"I would encourage any group or individual that has a sound proposal for forestry skills training to submit an application under this call before the closing date."

The specification document and application form are available to view on the department's website.

The closing date for applications is 5:00p.m on May 8, 2026. 

Proposals

It is expected that three proposals per module, for a total of six projects at a maximum of €50,000 per project, will be funded per annum.

More than six projects may be considered for grant aid each year where the total available annual budget is not exceeded.

Projects should meet one of the following 10 training priorities identified:

Environmental compliance;
Forest operator skills;
Forest protection and forest health;
Health and safety;
Sustainable forest management;
Climate mitigation in forests and timber;
Adaptation of forests, for climate change;
Forestry legislation;
Forest technology;
Ecology.