The average wait time for an afforestation license from the date of advertising to the actual decision when it is granted is 11.5 months.

The startling figure was released in response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said that based on 76 afforestation licenses that were issued in April this year, the average wait time was 11.5 months.

It further highlights ongoing issues with the forestry sector as farmers and landowners struggle to get forests planted and harvested.

Another parliamentary question from Michael Lowry TD showed a substantial drop in the number of farmers who had afforested land this year.

Starting from a high of 852 farmers in 2015, the figures consistently dropped to just 100 farmers to date this year.