Forestry planting in 2026 is currently running at less than a quarter of the official government target, according to new data.

The latest forestry dashboard published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) shows that 1,877ha of trees have been planted in the first 10 months of the year.

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 the Forestry Programme 2023-2027, the government aimed to reach 8,000ha of new forestry per year.

In 2025, 2,527ha of new forestry was planted, while 1,573ha was planted in the previous year.

Forestry

Up to the end of October, the department had issued 2,490 forestry licences, which is up by 88 licences compared to the same 10-month period last year.

Between January and October 2026, 340 afforestation licences were issued by officials for 2,745ha.

The department has issued 1,577 felling licences to date this year relating to 18,255ha.

Of that total, 984 were private felling licences, with the remaining 593 for Coillte plantations.

1,448 valid applications for felling had been submitted to the department by October 30.

A total of 573 licences have been issued for forestry roads covering 209km. The data shows 61km of roads have been constructed.

The department has granted 293 applications under the Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow for 2,117ha.

The scheme provides supports to forest owners affected by storms Darragh and Éowyn.

373 applications have been approved this year for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme, covering 1,149ha.

82 forestry appeals have been received by the department so far this year, with 41 relating to afforestation, 27 for tree felling and 14 for roads.