Minister of State for Forestry Michael Healy-Rae has hailed the forestry licensing output as having undergone a “real shift in both performance and sentiment” in the 10 months since he assumed office.
“A sector that was under pressure is now on a strong and positive trajectory,” the minister said.
He stated that 2025’s surpassing of previous years’ licensing output and last week’s record-breaking number of licenses issues were milestones for the state’s Forestry Programme.
There have been 350 afforestation licenses issues so far in 2025, 978 private felling licenses, 280 Coillte felling licenses and 531 licenses for roadways up to mid-October.
Some 2,298ha of forestry was planted in the year up to 10 October in comparison with just 1,573ha afforested over the whole of 2024.
“When I took on this role 10 months ago, I was determined to restore confidence in the forestry sector,” Minister Healy-Rae said.
“A critical part of that is ensuring that those committing to forestry are supported through the system as quickly as possible.
“I’m delighted to announce that last week, my Department issued the highest number of licences since the launch of this Forestry Programme in 2023.
“Turnaround times have improved dramatically, with most licences now processed in under six months, and the storm-related cases are issuing even faster.”
Minister Healy-Rae is to host four forestry information events over the coming weeks, all of which kick off at 7pm: 21 October in the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe, Co Galway; 23 October in the Brehon Hotel & Spa in Killarney, Co Kerry; 4 November in the Ardboyne Hotel in Navan, Co Meath; and 11 November in the Newpark Hotel in Co Kilkenny.
“These gatherings offer a valuable opportunity, especially for farmers, to explore how forestry can become part of a modern, resilient farm business,” he said.
Attendees are to have the chance to speak one-on-one with professional forestry staff from both the Department of Agriculture and Teagasc on their forestry-related queries.
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