Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
792. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a detailed breakdown of the €93 million forestry allocation in Budget 2026, including the amounts ring-fenced specifically for farmer premium top-ups, fencing and road grants, agroforestry and reconstitution schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36931/26]
View answerThe 2026 capital allocation of €93m for forestry provides attractive financial incentives and a broad range of planting options.
An amount of €54.3m is allocated for forest creation to service existing liability for grants and premia payments for older schemes, as well as fund grants, including agroforestry, fencing and premia supporting afforestation schemes under the current Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027.
However, forestry remains demand led with the overall budget allocation monitored to respond to this demand. Consequently, payable amounts vary according to species planted or replanted, and the supports required.
Some €38.7m is allocated for Forestry Supports for the National Forest Inventory, Environmental Assessments, including road grants and Reconstitution schemes. This also includes the Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow launched at the beginning of this year providing supports to forest owners affected by Storms Éowyn and Darragh.
My Department continues to promote forestry as an attractive land use option and has published a comprehensive communication plan to promote the options available to farmers and landowners, and to continue to grow a healthy forestry sector that supports Ireland in meeting its afforestation, climate, biodiversity, economic and recreational targets.
