Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
877. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the main policy achievements of his Department within the forestry sector since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29621/26]
View answerSince January 2025, my Department has increased afforestation rates, delivered a robust governmental response to storm damage, and the strategic implementation of key programme reviews and communications. Key actions include:
• The provision of a comprehensive response to the unprecedented storms Darragh and Éowyn by establishing a Windblow Taskforce and launching a €55 million Reconstitution scheme for private forest owners affected.
• The finalisation of the Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 in March 2026, providing increased grant rates and supports across key areas.
• Systematic improvements to internal systems addressing the delays in processing licences with the majority of applications now completed within the Farmers Charter timelines.
• The appointment of key stakeholders to the Board of Group Forest Certification Ireland in December 2025 acknowledging the vital role of forest certification to the sector.
• The launch of the ‘Pioneering Research and Innovation for timber and wood-based products in Ireland’ by the Timber in Construction Steering Group demonstrating continued progress in the sector.
• The appointment of a new chair of the COFORD Council in March 2026, helping to facilitate the development of the forest sector in Ireland.
• The launch of the Planting on Public Lands initiative in July 2025 supported public sector bodies to lead by example through the with thirty-three organisations now actively progressing with afforestation plans.
• The design and delivery of an evidence informed Communications and Engagement strategy promoting direct and targeted engagement with landowners, tailoring solutions to their needs.
The success of this approach was evident with 2,527 hectares of new forests planted in 2025, representing a significant increase compared to 2024. I am confident that the cumulative impact of these achievements puts Forestry on a trajectory to restoring landowner trust and lays a foundation for the development of the next Forestry Programme to 2032.
