Forestry Sector

Tuesday, 2 December 2025

Questions (448)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

448. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the forestry grants and funding schemes that are currently open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67290/25]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department’s Forestry Programme 2023-2027 provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees that can provide a valuable addition to farm income and also help meet our national climate and biodiversity objectives.

The Forestry Programme also provides for measures relating to the management and conservation of existing forests, including for the development of skills that allow owners and their foresters to sustainably manage their forests. The schemes and measures under this Programme that are currently open for applications are set out in the table below:

Scheme

Afforestation Scheme

Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS)

Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS)

Native Woodland Conservation Scheme (NWCS)

Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027

Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP)

Climate Resilient Reforestation Scheme (Pilot)

Native Woodland Intervention for Remediation of Industrial Cutover Peatlands (Pilot)

NeighbourWood Scheme

Woodland Environmental Fund

Forest Road Scheme

Deer Tree Shelter and Deer Hare Fencing Scheme

Innovative Forest Technology Scheme – Module 2: Investment Aid for the Development of the Forest Tree Nursery Sector (Tranche 4)

iPLAN

While not currently open for applications, my Department also offers a range of other support schemes, including for example our Innovative Forest Technology Scheme Module 1 - Central tyre Inflation & Module 3 - Sustainable Forest Harvesting Machinery Grant. It is envisaged that such schemes will open again in Tranches systematically throughout the Forestry Programme term.

I am hopeful that the attractive and increased rates and supports under the Forestry Programme will encourage uptake of both diverse afforestation and forest conservation measures. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve lasting benefits from forestry not just for climate change, but for biodiversity, wood production, economic development and quality of life.