Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
216. 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 in respect of plantations of native woodlands; the amount of payments made in respect of non-native plantations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4646/26]
View answerThe current Programme, the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027, offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of options to plant native and non-native species.
The annual broadleaf target has increased from 30% to 50% of total annual planting. This is reflective of the substantial increase of 66% in premium rates for the establishment of a native forest, as well as five additional years of premiums for farmers across most Forest Types. Further, a 20% broadleaf species component is now mandatory for all mixed forest types, including Sitka spruce, thus supporting increased biodiversity and habitat linkages.
The total premia paid in 2026 amounted to €23,473,116 which includes multi annual premia payments across four Forestry Programmes, and can be broken down by native and non native species as per the table provided below.
|
- |
€ |
% |
|
Native |
8,059,459 |
34% |
|
Non-native |
15,176,733 |
65% |
|
Supplementary/Other Payments |
236,923 |
1% |
|
|
23,473,116 |
|
The figures provided in the table include planting under the current and earlier Forestry Programme and account for plots that were planted with native trees, oak, and broadleaf. This also includes broadleaf/native species included in mixed planting under Forest Types such as Diverse Conifer, Continuous Cover Forestry, Mixed high Forest: Conifer, and Mixed high Forest: Spruce.
