Almost 5,000 forestry owners started to receive 2019 forestry premium payments from last week, according to Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Andrew Doyle.

The minister said these payments are paid to applicants who applied online for their annual premium payment.

“I am delighted to see the commencement so early in the year of these forestry premium payments.

"This is part of our commitment to those who plant under the afforestation scheme and an average payment of €5,200 to each farmer and landowner is a significant cashflow boost at this time of year.

"Payments will continue to be issued on a weekly basis and I would encourage all participants under the scheme to consider applying online if they wish to avail of the earlier payment,” the Minister said.

So far, Cork has received the largest payment share per county, with €3.31m paid out to farmers.

This is followed by Kerry and Clare at €2.36m and €2.33m respectively. Dublin has received the lowest share so far at €14,169.

The Minister pointed out that forestry schemes offer an opportunity to diversify farm income, with annual premiums of up to €680 per hectare for 15 years.

Teagasc is running a nationwide series of 39 advisory clinics for farmers, where one-to one advice is available for farmers from an experienced Teagasc forestry adviser.

For clinic dates and contact details, see www.teagasc.ie/forestryclinics.

Grant aid is available for both broadleaf and conifer forests.