2771. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider amending the afforestation scheme 2023-2027 to focus on lesser quality farmland, that is land that is less productive for arable farming or grazing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62801/26]

2774. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of trees that have been planted under the afforestation scheme 2023-2027 scheme; the area of land that has been covered by trees planted under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62797/26]

2775. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that only 2,527 ha have been planted with forestry under his Department’s forestry planting target; if he will confirm that this represents only 32% of the target; his plans to increase planting to reach the target by the end of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62796/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2771, 2774 and 2775 together.

The Forestry Programme 2023–2027 opened for applications on 6 September 2023. The Programme’s Afforestation Scheme provides grant payments and an annual, income-tax-free premium payable for 20 years to applicants with farmer status and for 15 years to other applicants.

The overall aim of Government forestry policy is to develop forestry to a scale and in a manner that maximises its contribution to climate action, biodiversity, sustainable wood production and rural economic development.

The following areas of forest were planted under the Programme:

The figures show a significant increase in planting in 2025. While my Department records the area in hectares, the number of trees planted is a complicated calculation given planting numbers vary depending on forest type and planting density. However an estimated figure would be that nearly 12 million trees approximately were planted since the beginning of the programme.

All applications under the Afforestation Scheme are assessed for suitability in accordance with the Department’s Environmental Requirements and Land Types for Afforestation documents, together with the silvicultural suitability requirements set out in the Forest Standards Manual. The Forestry Programme, which is subject to State Aid approval, provides incentives for the planting of land currently in agriculture and can facilitate the planting of land that is marginal for agriculture where that land meets the relevant environmental and silvicultural suitability requirements. However, unenclosed land and other environmentally sensitive areas are excluded, which generally consist of peat soils. Landowners and their Registered Foresters can also avail of a pre-application discussion with the Department to obtain greater clarity on potential land suitability issues.

My Department will continue to keep the Forestry Programme under review to ensure that it supports appropriate afforestation while protecting biodiversity, water quality and other environmental interests.

Under the Forestry Programme 2023–2027, grants and premiums are also available under the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS) for new planting.

Since the Afforestation Scheme opened on 6 September 2023, and up to 31 August 2026, a total of €38,144,850 has been paid to landowners under the Afforestation Scheme. This includes €3,632,504 paid under the Native Tree Area Scheme. Payments are issued to applicants on a weekly basis.

I am committed to increasing the level of afforestation and achieving the Government’s forestry planting targets. The increase in planting achieved in 2025 is encouraging, and my Department will continue to work with stakeholders, landowners and the forestry sector to support increased planting levels.