The Social, Economic, and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) has voiced its concern about the number of forestry licences issued last week "despite the extensive damage caused by Storm Éowyn".

It has been estimated that almost 24,000ha of forestry was blown down after the storm, following an initial satellite assessment by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and Coillte.

According to the latest forestry dashboard, the department last week issued 10 private felling and 15 Coillte felling licences for 221ha.

In the previous week, the department issued 19 private felling licences and none for Coillte.

There were 9 licences issued for 4km of forest roads, compared with 18 such licences being issued last week.

"These figures are particularly concerning given that Storm Éowyn blew down more than 23,500 hectares of forest," SEEFA said.

Up to February 28, DAFM had issued a total of 135 private felling licences and 47 Coillte felling licences for a total of 2,489ha.

The department has received 146 private felling licence and 173 Coillte felling licence applications so far this year.

87 licences have been issued for 33km of forestry roads; the data shows that 23km of roads have been constructed so far in 2025.

There were 12 afforestation licences issued by DAFM last week, down from 15 the previous week.

"Afforestation licences met just over half of the weekly requirement, further slowing planting efforts and hampering the sector’s recovery.

"Licensing has remained far too low for far too long. Amid a national emergency, immediate action is needed to expedite the process, support recovery, and protect Ireland’s forest cover," SEEFA said.

A total of 96 afforestation licences have been granted this year for some 665ha, while 72 applications have been received.

264ha 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).

There have been 62 licences issued by the department so far this year for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, relating to 200ha.

35 licences have been approved for the NTAS (40ha), 13 for the Woodland Improvement Scheme (78ha) and 15 for the Deer Tree Shelter scheme (94ha).

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