Over €221.5 million has been paid out in afforestation scheme farmer payments from 2021 to 2025, according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Minister of State Niall Collins, who has responsibility for forestry, said that the grants available under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme include an annual income tax-free premium payment for applicants.

These are made for a period of 20 years for applicants with farmer status and 15 years for other applicants.

He was responding to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny, who asked about the annual spend in forestry payments to farmers along with a breakdown in the number of applicants.

Afforestation payments

From 2021-2025, over €221.5 million was paid out in afforestation scheme farmer payments.

This includes first grant, second grant and premia, DAFM figures show.

In 2025, the total paid was over €40 million, and in 2024, the figure was over €41 million.

In 2023, the total figure was over €46 million.

Recipients

Minister Collins also provided figures on afforestation scheme annual premium payment recipients by threshold from 2021 to 2025.

In 2025, 7,206 applicants received less than €5,000, while €1,604 received between €5,000 and €10,000.

345 received between €10,000 and €20,000, while 45 received between €20,000 and €50,000.

Minister Collins said that forest owners can apply online for their forestry premiums through the department’s online services website, AgFood.ie.

"This facility is open all year, with applications processed as  they are received, and payments are issued on a weekly basis," he said.

"It should be noted that some forest owners may own more than one plantation, and also that 'banking of premiums' often occurs.

"This is where individuals choose to allow their premiums build-up, to claim at a future date."