Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Afforestation licensing figures for County Monaghan can be found in the table below:

In relation to this table, it is worth noting that licences issued may have been applied for in a previous year, as the licensing process takes time and requires careful assessment of all environmental and silvicultural considerations. Furthermore applicants have three years from approval to plant their forest.

The new Forestry programme 2023 – 2027 will help to support an increase in afforestation. It offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options. It provides generous incentives to farmers in particular, to re-engage with forestry. These include increases in premia rates ranging from between 46% to 66%, along with a longer premia term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers, across most Forest Types.

I encourage all landowners, and farmers in particular, to consider joining the scheme as it provides a complementary income stream to active farmers, and delivers public goods for the benefit of all.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy is presented in the table below which shows the number of participants paid in County Monaghan and the total payments. The average payment has been calculated through dividing the total payments by the number paid. All figures provided are scheme year payments.

Please note the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) were both completed prior to 2018 so no scheme year payments issued during this time period.