The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued 1,243 forestry licences since the start of the year.

The latest data, published by the department, shows that up to May 29, 2026, afforestation licences have been granted for 1,689ha.

The figures show that 663ha have been planted so far this year. This figure reflects afforestation that has been paid at first grant stage this year to date only, including the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS).

In the same period last year, 1,242 hectares had been planted.

Forestry licences

Up to the end of May, the department had issued 733 felling licences covering 8,495ha.

537 of the felling licences were issued to private forestry owners, while 196 felling licences were granted for Coillte plantations.

304 licences have been issued for forestry roads for 116km. The data shows that 33km of roads have been constructed so far this year.

Since the start of the year, there has been a total of 1,454 valid licence applications submitted to the department.

This includes 171 applications for afforestation, 408 for private felling, 636 for Coillte felling, and 239 for forestry roads.

25 appeals relating to afforestation have been lodged so far this year, along with 10 on tree felling, and seven for forest roads.

The latest data also shows that 193 applications have been approved this year for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, covering 591ha.

77 applications have been approved for the Woodland Improvement Scheme relating to 476ha.