Afforestation
Amy Forde on 21 Apr 2021
Agri-food strategy 2030: targets set for the next decade
A new agri-food strategy for the coming years is set to change the focus of Irish agriculture.
Niall Hurson on 21 Apr 2021
Calls for environmental felling grant to be introduced
The IFA has said that ecology continues to be a major pinch point in the system.
Amy Forde on 16 Apr 2021
Agri-food strategy 2030: new targets for farming revealed
A new agri-food strategy for the coming years is set to change the focus of Irish agriculture.
Hannah Quinn-Mulligan on 07 Apr 2021
Biogenic methane target needed or national herd faces a cut – Department
An internal document from the Department of Agriculture argues that the national herd will have to be reduced by millions if a separate target for biogenic methane is not granted.
Amy Forde on 06 Apr 2021
One public body applies to plant native trees under Department scheme
Iarnród Éireann is to plant 12,000 native trees on 4.33ha in Roscommon under the Creation of Woodland on Public Lands Scheme.
Donal Magner on 24 Mar 2021
Understanding multipurpose forestry
The objective of State forestry over the past 100 years has been to maximise yield and income from its afforestation and reforestation programmes by planting up to 95% conifers.
Hannah Quinn-Mulligan on 24 Mar 2021
Q&A: What does the Climate Bill mean for farmers?
Many farmers are fearful of what the Climate Bill will mean for them but they still have an opportunity to shape how targets will impact their farms.
Donal Magner on 20 Mar 2021
Land Report: strong sale demand for forests and suitable land for planting
Despite major delays and barriers in receiving forestry licences and historic low afforestation, interest in purchasing forests and land suitable for forestry remains strong.
Niall Hurson on 16 Mar 2021
Department failing to communicate ‘dire’ forestry situation to ministers - FII
Forest Industries Ireland has called on the Department to outsource a qualified project manager.
Niall Hurson on 10 Mar 2021
Farmers to question Minister on licensing decline
IFA has called for the introduction of a piloted environmental planning grant to ensure equity across applicant type.
Hannah Quinn-Mulligan on 03 Mar 2021
New venture wants to buy farmers’ mature forests
Farmers reaching the end of their Government payments for forestry could embark on a new scheme.
Donal Magner on 03 Mar 2021
Project Woodland launched by Minister Hackett
The Department 'needs to act swiftly to address weaknesses in project management and communications', to deliver Mackinnon recommendations says Jo O'Hara.
Amy Forde on 25 Feb 2021
Environmental Pillar exit from agri-food strategy talks ‘disappointing’ – Creed
"The echo of their parting shot is tirelessly repetitive, in terms of the criticisms that they level," Michael Creed said in relation to the Environmental Pillar withdrawing from agri-food 2030 talks.
Caitríona Morrissey on 17 Feb 2021
Minister’s position on unenclosed forestry rejected
Minister’s Dáil reply on the 20% cap on unenclosed afforestation as informed by ‘EU Commisision observsations’ contradicted by Commission
Donal Magner on 10 Feb 2021
Response to Oireachtas committee meeting continues
Forestry sector seeks solutions from the Department in delivering a sustainable afforestation and wood mobilisation programme.
Donal Magner on 27 Jan 2021
Forestry licence approvals well down on Department targets
Private forestry only 43% of Department's targets, but felling licences in the final quarter of 2021 result in 40% of annual output.
Hannah Quinn-Mulligan on 27 Jan 2021
Forestry appeals continue to rise
Farmers and landowners are growing increasingly frustrated with the backlog of appeals holding up felling and planting.
Donal Magner on 30 Dec 2020
Forestry and climate neutrality
The Government’s roadmap Ag Climatise outlines the role of the forestry and forest products sector in achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Donal Magner on 09 Dec 2020
Dramatic fall in farmer afforestation
Annual farmer planting has fallen from 7,935ha to 1,292ha in 10 years as farmers' share of the afforestation programme is now only 36% compared with 95% from 2010 to 2019.
Amy Forde on 09 Dec 2020
Limit to fertiliser use in Department’s climate change plan
The Department of Agriculture has published Ag Climatise, its road map towards climate neutrality by 2050 in the agriculture sector. It contains 29 actions which are designed to cut emissions.