Have you ever thought about leaving a legacy and providing for the long term? The options available for planting lands are vast and provide something for everyone. There are 12 different Forest Types (FT), and they each encourage diverse species mixes and biodiversity, as appropriate to the land and owner.  

Forestry and Woodlands are sources of timber, amenity, habitat and well being and local, rural employment. Additionally, trees capture and store Carbon, improve soil and water quality and have the capacity to shelter animals.

A further benefit to forest and woodland creation is that the revenues generated are tax free (exc USC and PRSI). 

Who pays to heave the trees planted - well, forestry establishment is covered by a full, exchequer backed grant. This is to encourage further planting nationally to increase the national cover from a European low of 11% up to 18%. There is a 4 year government backed contract put in place to protect both parties. Some of the commitments within that contract, include:

• Fencing of the planted area
• Preparation of the ground
• Draining of land
• Supply and planting of trees
• Fertilising
• Vegetation Control
• Pest control
• Maintenance of woodland records

For those who do decide to plant, there are a range of premiums available, matching the Forest Type - see our calculator below. Premium payments are paid directly to landowners, annually, for up to 20 years (15 for non farmers) and can be worth €1,103 per hectare.

Your local forester will assist you through the entire process. Remember, you own the land and the trees - we are here to help you make the most from them.

Afforestation premium rates 2023 - 2027