The Department of Agriculture has said that a “significant number” of public bodies have expressed interest in planting forestry on the public lands they manage.

However, it has decided to keep under wraps which public entities these are, as well as the county breakdown of proposed afforestation sites, saying it would be “premature” to release such details as discussions are ongoing.

The interest follows Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae’s sending of 82 letters to public bodies including local authorities, universities, colleges, government departments, the HSE, Irish Rail and Fáilte Ireland outlining the tree planting funds available to them.

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The Forestry Programme provides a separate funding heading for afforestation on state lands than if offered for the range of private planting options, with further support offered for assessing suitable planting sites on state lands.

Grant aid of €10,544/ha is available under the programme to these bodies for covering establishment costs, with up to €500/ha of a top-up available where the proposed planting site has been derelict.

State bodies are eligible to receive annual forestry premiums for 15 years at a rate of €1,103/ha, which the Department has said offers a “sustainable income stream” to these bodies and can help offset management costs.

They may also seek funding for the integration of public amenities into the wooded areas through recreation grants providing up to €3,800/ha to a cap of €45,600 for trails, seating areas and signage or for up to €10,000 for forest playground equipment.