Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2026
489. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given the importance of afforestation towards climate change mitigation, if his Department will conduct annual reviews when targets are constantly missed in order to address shortcomings, if changes are advised. [70314/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2024 Climate Action Plan recognises that afforestation is one of the largest land-based, long-term climate change mitigation measures available to Ireland and sets out the Government’s target of 8,000 hectares of new forestry per year.
The Forestry Programme 2023–2027 provides the implementation mechanism through financial incentives and a range of different forest types available to landowners for afforestation. The 8,000 hectare target is an ambitious one, as forestry remains demand led and is a complex land use choice which is not solely based on incentives. Progress towards this target is closely monitored and my Department are continually developing opportunities to increase the rate of planting.
Last year, my Department prepared a Forestry Opportunities Map which incorporates environmental considerations and associated mapping layers relevant to the Forestry Programme 2023–2027. The Forestry Opportunities Map fed into the Land Use Review (Phase 1 and 2) which forms part of the Programme for Government. The map identifies areas most suitable for planting, primarily based on environmental considerations and soil productivity.
Further, in March this year my Department published the results of a Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme 2023–2027. This included a comprehensive package of financial and administrative measures which provided for increases in grants and premia in key areas including forest roads, fencing and agroforestry. These additional supports were designed to help support this important sector and to encourage the planting of lands.
My Department is also working actively to ensure the inclusion of a diverse stakeholder perspectives across the forestry sector, and that forestry policy and programme design are informed by robust evidence and behavioural insights.
To date, this work includes a research programme involving qualitative research with key stakeholder groups, behavioural analysis of landowner decision-making, and the facilitation of structured engagement workshops. My Department recently published a Public Attitudes Survey on Forestry 2026 which built on our 2021 benchmark study. Evidence and insights from this work is already supporting the delivery of the current forestry programme, schemes, communications and stakeholder engagement.
Ireland’s forestry sector has made a positive contribution to climate change mitigation by acting as a vital carbon sink and long-term carbon store. Work on the Forestry Programme post-2027 is underway and my Department is committed to continuing to support opportunities to expand forestry as part of a diverse farm or landholding enterprise, while also contributing to Ireland’s climate objectives.
