457. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projected levels of afforestation for 2026 and 2027, based on applications received by his Department. [66430/26]

460. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of afforestation hectares submitted to his Department each year from 2010 to 2025 and to date in 2026; and the actual hectares planted each year. [66429/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 457 and 460 together.

The Forestry Programme 2023–2027 was designed to incentivise and support landowners to engage in tree planting, with grant rates reflecting the direct costs of establishing different forest types.

While afforestation remains a voluntary land use choice for landowners, I am confident that the provisions within the current Forestry Programme, in conjunction with improvements resulting from the Mid-Term Review, will continue to help and encourage landowners to plant trees on their land and grow the forestry sector. In 2025 this was reflected in an increase in Afforested area planted as reflected in the table below.

Afforestation licences are valid for a period of 5 years and landowners may choose to plant at any time within this period. Currently over 4,500 hectares have valid licence approvals for afforestation with an additional area of over 300 hectares approved under the Native Tree Are Scheme that have not yet been planted.

My Department is currently assessing licence applications for a further additional area of 2,000 hectares.

My Department will continue to improve our supports to the sector, promote forestry through our communications and engagement channels, and work collaboratively with stakeholders, landowners and the forestry sector to build on this success in the coming years.