The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued 84 afforestation licences so far this year, relating to 603ha.

The latest forestry data, published by the department, shows that 64 valid afforestation applications were submitted by last Friday (February 21).

222ha of forestry has been planted since the start of 2025. DAFM noted that this figure reflects afforestation that has been paid at first grant stage this year to date only, including the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS).

Under Ireland's Forest Strategy 2023-2030, the afforestation target is 8,000ha annually.

In 2024, 1,573ha was planted, while the figure stood at 1,652ha in the previous year.

The data also shows that 125 private felling licences and 32 Coillte licences covering a total of 2,269ha were issued up to February 21.

173 applications for felling have been submitted to DAFM by Coillte and 123 private felling licences have been sought.

78 licences have been issued for 29km of forestry roads this year. The data shows that 22km of forestry roads were constructed by February 21.

There have been 409 licences issued by the department so far this year for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, relating to 158ha.

33 licences have been approved for the NTAS (39ha), 13 for the Woodland Improvement Scheme (78ha) and 7 for the Deer Tree Shelter scheme (68ha).

One licence has been issued for the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme this year for 5ha.

The department also confirmed that it has received 7 afforestation appeals, 3 forest road appeals and one related to tree felling.