Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
271. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount his Department has spent on making promotional videos for forestry with a person (details supplied); and the cost of sending these videos and other message to farmers through mobile phone communication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11001/26]
View answerIn 2025, as part of the Communications and Engagement Strategy, my Department produced a series of videos in-house, featuring farmers who had participated in forestry from around the country, promoting the benefits of forestry as part of their farm enterprise. Minister Healy-Rae met these farmers and interviewed them to give them the opportunity to tell their story.
Some of these ‘Flagship Forestry’ videos were published on our social media platforms in the second half of 2025, and the balance will be published in the first quarter of 2026. Two of these videos were shared directly via SMS to farmers who had signed up to our information service, ensuring that these messages were targeted to those who may be interested in the opportunity.
Minister Healy-Rae also featured in another video, which was produced in-house after he took up the role of Minister with responsibility for Forestry in early 2025 and talked about his own experience in forestry and the very positive opportunities it offers. This video was also shared via SMS.
In total, there were three videos shared with farmers, and the Department spent €19,406 to issue 525,914 messages to the over 183,000 subscribers of this information service at a maximum cost of €0.04 per message.
All promotional videos used, support clear and accessible engagement with farmers by explaining the practical aspects of forestry, demonstrating how it can integrate with existing farming enterprises, and highlighting the economic, environmental and climate benefits it can deliver.
They provide trusted, real-world information to assist informed decision-making and promote awareness and uptake of the supports available under the Forestry Programme 2023-2027.
