Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
229. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how the additional €3.5 million allocated for forestry in 2026 under the Mid-Term Review will be distributed across forestry schemes, and whether this level of funding is sufficient to address sector concerns. [22688/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra230. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any cost–benefit analysis was undertaken prior to increasing grant rates for fencing, forest roads and reforestation supports. [22689/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra231. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department considered more substantial increases in grant supports in light of rising construction, labour and materials costs in the forestry sector. [22692/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has analysed whether forestry supports remain competitive with other agricultural schemes in terms of farmer income. [22701/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 to 231, inclusive, and 240 together.
The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 offers generous incentives for farmers and other landowners to diversify their income streams. There are, however, many competing land-use options available to farmers offering an annual income. To reflect this, the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 pays farmers a premia for 20 years compared to 15 years for non-farmers across most Forest Types with newly planted forestry, also qualifying for the Basic Income Support Payment (BISS) Scheme.
I am pleased to have recently published the results of the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Forestry Programme. This was undertaken in consultation with the Forest Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC) which represents a broad range of Forestry stakeholders. Submissions from the FSCC allowed my Department to review the existing schemes, measures and costs by gathering feedback from those who have direct experience of implementing them on the ground.
It is estimated that the comprehensive package of financial and administrative measures arising from the MTR will amount to approximately €3.5 million for 2026. This is allocated across the following priority areas:
• Increases to fencing grant rates and allowances, and agroforestry premium rates for the Afforestation Scheme.
• Increases to fencing rates and allowances and expansion of the Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme.
• Increases to fencing rates for the Native Tree Area Scheme.
• Increases to grant rates for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot and Forest Road Schemes.
Full details are available in the Forest Programme 2023 – 2027 Mid-Term Review publication on the Departments website.
While income is not the only consideration in deciding land use by farmers, these incentives offer an attractive option to farmers to plant forests as part of their farm enterprise.
I am confident that these improved financial incentives, increased scheme flexibilities and proactive engagement activities arising from this MTR will offer sufficient supports to enable landowners, including farmers to plant and manage their forests in a way that is most suitable for their requirements.
