The Republic of Ireland has unveiled a new forestry programme which invests €1.3bn in farmers to plant more trees, the percentage rising between 46-66%, and the investment will continue for 20 years rather than the current 15.
According to the Forest Economic Advisors, the funding of farmers will run from 2023 to 2030, and currently represents the largest afforestation programme in the state.
Although Ireland’s Climate Action Plan sets out a target of 8,000 hectares of forestry planting per annum, Ireland is currently only planting 2,000 hectares.
This new programme aims to deliver more diverse forests which will meet multiple social and environmental objectives. Higher grant rates for forest establishments are also proposed, in line with a higher cost of living.
A new one-hectare native tree area scheme will also make it easier for landowners who wish to plant small areas of trees on their farms. Forest Economic Advisors also reported that a new one-hectare native tree area scheme will also make it easier for Irish landowners who wish to plant small areas of trees on their farms.
Source: Forest Economic Advisors
