Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
257. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial or other incentives in place to encourage reforestation of land or setting aside land for biodiversity purposes. [44787/26]
View answerIn the development of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 and the Forestry Programme 2023-2027, all areas of my Department worked closely together to ensure that financial measures were developed which promoted a variety of environmental actions.
The Eco-scheme and the Agriculture Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) offered within the CSP provide financial supports that aim to reward farmers for undertaking voluntary measures at landscape level which are beneficial for climate, biodiversity purposes, water quality and the environment. The Organic Farming Scheme also interacts with these measures.
My Department’s Forestry Programme also offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options. A 20% broadleaf species component is now mandatory for all mixed forest types, thus supporting increased biodiversity and habitat linkages. The afforestation site is also treated with particular regard to biodiversity, comprising a combination of open spaces and retained habitats.
Regarding reforestation, mandatory replanting conditions are determined as per my Department’s Felling and Reforestation Policy (DAFM, 2017) and in line with Sustainable Forest Management Principles.
However, the opportunity exists to incentivise species diversity and alternative forest management systems at reforestation stage over and above these mandatory requirements.
The Climate Resilient Reforestation (CRR) Pilot Scheme provides supports that incentivise species and structural diversity which increase the resilience and adaptiveness of forest land to climate related threats. The scheme offers Reforestation for Continuous Cover Forestry, for Native Woodlands, and for Biodiversity and Water Protection.
The Scheme is available to private forest owners whose forests are ready to be clear-felled in the coming years and in circumstances which suits their requirements. Grant funding and 7 years of payments for ecosystem services are available. The grant can be used for measures that ensure successful re-establishment, such as planting, plant protection (e.g. fencing) and maintenance.
