There is strong public support for more forestry in Ireland, the Department of Agriculture's Public Attitudes Survey on Forestry 2026 shows.

Some 93% of respondents said increasing forest cover will support biodiversity and improve habitats for plants and wildlife, while 89% believed planting more forests and woodlands will help Ireland meet climate targets.

Almost three-quarters (73%) said they would like to see more forests and woodlands in their own county.

The research found strong support for current policy measures to increase forest cover, with 74% supporting the use of public land for new forests and 68% supporting financial incentives for farmers and landowners to plant trees.

Compared to the results of the 2021 survey, notable shifts in public attitude can be seen, including the proportion of the public calling for more forests locally – which has grown to 44%, up from 38% in 2021.

Growing demand

There also appears to be a growing demand for wood, with 44% of people saying they would prefer to live in a home built mainly from sustainably sourced timber and renewable materials, rising from 26% in 2021.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said the publication provides valuable insights into public attitudes towards forestry in Ireland and will help inform the Department’s approach to future forestry policy.

Minister Heydon highlighted that the findings show a strong public recognition of the value of forestry and an alignment between the public's views and the Department’s ambition to continue to develop a forestry sector that delivers for farmers, communities and the country as a whole.

Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collin added: “This research shows that people in Ireland recognise the importance of forest and support growing our forest estate.”

Minister Collins added that his Department will use the findings to inform future forestry policy and programme development, ensuring that public views help shape how forestry is planned and delivered in Ireland.