Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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1776. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider amending the Forest Act 2014 and the Forestry Regulations 2017 to allow forest owners who have felled their forest to use the land for other purposes, as some forest owners want to use their land for alternative purposes but are prohibited from doing so by the replanting obligation of the clear-felling licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46090/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Forests are essential to Ireland and its economy. They supply sustainable raw materials for our timber industry, and support nearly 9,500 jobs in a sector worth €2 billion. They are a vital component in the realisation of our climate objectives by sequestering and removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Forests are also essential to maintaining biodiversity, and important spaces for recreation, health and wellbeing.

Forestry is regulated by the EU Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation as well as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Irish Forestry Act 2014 and Forestry Regulations 2017. The above mandate the protection of forests by ensuring that operations are carried out in compliance with the principles of sustainable forest management. This includes mandatory reforestation after felling as essential to prevent deforestation, and that wood, among other commodities, must be deforestation free.

Consequently, tree felling licences carry an obligation to replant the area felled. A replanting plan is set out in the application for a felling licence and is part of the application assessment.

Where an alternative use for part or all of a forestry site is proposed, an alternative site may be considered, but a location of the same size must be sought and prior approval provided for afforestation before the revised tree felling licence can issue (see Tree Felling and Management). 

In addition, where a felling licence has not been actioned, and an applicant is proposing to make a material change to the felling and replanting operations, they may apply for an appropriate forestry scheme and seek to amend their felling licence and replanting plan.

The above measures ensure that we can continue to expand the forest estate in Ireland and deliver the environmental, economic and social benefits of forests, while also offering a variety of options and supports to landowners.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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1777. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the funding and supports available to landowners who wish to engage in reforestation and native tree planting projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46103/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types, covering a broad range of planting options.

Landowners who originally planted conifers, who wish to replant with native trees after their harvest may be eligible to apply to the Climate Resilient Reforestation (CRR) Pilot Scheme which provides grants ranging from €1,800 to €4,000 per ha with annual payments of between €150 to €500 for 7 years.

The Native Woodland Conservation Scheme is available to eligible private and public forest owners for the appropriate restoration, conservation, and enhancement of existing native woodland for sustainable forest management. It is supported by grants of up to €6,000 per ha for restoration and enhancement works, along with an increased Payment for Ecosystems Services of €500 per ha, paid over 7 years for private forest owners.

The Ash Dieback replanting scheme also provides financial support to help forest owners who were affected by providing funding of up to 100% of the replanting costs, as well as the Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP) of €5,000 per ha which is available tax free.The planting of native forests are supported by rates of between €1,103 and €1,142 per ha over a period of 15 to 20 years.

The Native Tree Area Scheme facilitates small-scale tree planting and offers premiums of up to €2,284 per ha for 10 years.

I continue to work with my Department, farmers, landowners, and all stakeholders to deliver appropriate funding and supports which provide lasting benefits from forestry for climate change, biodiversity, wood production, economic development, and a better quality of life for the people of Ireland.