Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
215. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to the announcement of approximately €23.5 million in forestry premium payments issued in 2026, the amount of funding payments made to farmers; the amount of payments made to other applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4645/26]
View answerThe grants available under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme include an annual income tax free premium payment for applicants, and these are made for a period of 20 years for applicants with farmer status and 15 years for other applicants.
Recently a total of €23.47 million was issued to applicants in respect of 2026 premium payments. The breakdown is as follows:
2026 Forestry Premium Payments
|
Payments to Farmers |
€17,706,278.47 |
|
Payments to other applicants |
€5,766,837.39 |
|
Total |
€23,473,115.86 |
Forest owners who have not submitted their online applications so far, can still apply online for their forestry premiums through the Department’s Online Services website ([www.agfood.ie]). This facility will remain open all year, and the department will continue to process online applications for 2026 forest premiums as they are received, with payments being issued on a weekly basis.
