It is estimated that the afforestation programme for 2020 will be approximately 2,500ha, the lowest rate of private planting in 36 years, the IFA has said.

“The forestry sector is in a state of emergency because of the licensing crisis, with farmers facing delays of up to two years due to the two-tiered system introduced by the Department,” IFA farm forestry chair Vincent Nally has said.

“Applications, which were previously zero-cost, are now costing farmers a minimum of €1,500 where a natura impact statement (NIS) is required.”

Job losses

The IFA has said the licensing cost is unsustainable and has enormous financial implications for farmers, with many forced into a non-thin policy.

Nally continued: “The majority of farm forests cannot justify the cost of an NIS and are being actively disadvantaged and discriminated against by the Department’s policy.

“We have heard in recent days the impact the licensing crisis is having on the wider sector and the potential job losses that are predicted due to the shortage in timber supply.

"The importation of timber from countries that have been devastated with bark beetle also poses a risk to the national estate."

Meanwhile, Fórsa trade union has said that up to 12,000 jobs are at risk as a consequence of the current forestry regulatory system and delays in the appeals process.

IFA proposals for the forestry sector

  • The system must ensure that no farmer has to wait longer than four months for a forestry license, irrespective of the application size.
  • A review the current AA screening process, associated rules and thresholds. In particular, the 15km radius ‘likely zone of impact’ employed by the Department.
  • Introduce a cost-based planning support grant for forest owners to assist with increased costs and requirements associated with applying for a felling and afforestation license.
  • Amend the Forestry Act 2014 to introduce new exemptions for activities, such as forest road construction and thinning operations.
  • Read more

    Licencing backlog puts 12,000 forestry jobs at risk - Fórsa

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    Contractors warn felling licence delay will lead to job losses