The month of October delivered mixed results for forestry licensing in Ireland, according to the Social, Economic and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA).
Over the five weeks, 70 afforestation licenses were issued covering 443ha, which SEEFA said is “over a third below the monthly target”.
“Furthermore, only 143ha were planted, representing almost an 80% shortfall on the 8,000ha annual target pace,” the association added.
According to the latest forestry data published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) total of 4,157ha has been approved for planting by November 1 this year, with 506 licences issued and a total of 519 valid applications received.
Forestry
As the planting season gets underway, SEEFA said that it is “vital to improve these figures to meet our country’s forestry objectives”.
“We encourage the department to build on the positive trends from the months prior to October to ensure we make the most of this period and increase tree-planting efforts,” it added.
SEEFA is actively encouraging landowners to consider planting, highlighting forestry’s significant environmental, economic, and social benefits.
The total area planted so far this year now stands at 1,400ha, which the department noted only reflects afforestation that has been paid at first grant stage this year-to-date.
SEEFA has also voiced concern about the “decrease in performance” in October reflected in lower numbers for felling and road licenses.
The department has issued 832 private and 898 Coillte felling licences so far this year, along with 741 roads licences covering 279km. 61km of forestry roads have been constructed this year.
The data also shows that 652 licences have been issued under the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme for 2,345ha.
305 licences have been approved for the Native Area Tree Scheme (NTAS) relating to 332ha.
There has been 188 licences for the Deer Tree Shelter scheme (DTS) for 826ha and 159 licences under the Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS) relating to 874ha.