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Killarney, 24 June 2025 — The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has announced €1.53 million in funding for 48 forestry promotion projects as part of its 2025–2026 Open Call. The initiative, jointly launched by Minister of State Martin Heydon and newly appointed Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, aims to increase public engagement with forestry and support Ireland’s sustainable forestry targets.
The funded projects span nationwide efforts, focusing on afforestation, sustainable forest management, timber usage in construction, agroforestry, biodiversity, and the promotion of forestry careers. The announcement follows an extensive review process under three priority themes: promoting afforestation, encouraging sustainable forest management, and boosting the use of timber in climate-resilient construction.
Minister Heydon highlighted the broad interest in the scheme, stating:
“There was an excellent response to the call, with 48 projects selected for funding amounting to €1.53 million over two years.”
Minister Healy-Rae emphasized the collaborative nature of the projects and their role in promoting the Government’s 2023–2027 Forestry Programme:
“These initiatives represent vital steps in addressing knowledge gaps and engaging farmers, landowners and communities. The projects will enhance awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of forestry, while also promoting rural development and climate action.”
Key projects include:
- “There’s a Forestry Project for You” – a 12-month outreach campaign targeting farmers and landowners.
- “Forestry Village @ National Ploughing Championships” – an interactive hub to educate and engage the public.
- “Mná na Coille” – a project promoting women’s participation in forestry.
- “Timber in the Mart” – linking forestry with the farming sector.
- “Agroforestry Demonstration Days” – practical events for farmers exploring tree integration.
Additional initiatives will explore continuous cover forestry (CCF), peer-led information campaigns, certification clinics, and youth-focused forestry education. Several projects also seek to address climate resilience and biodiversity, while others aim to dispel public misconceptions about commercial forestry.
Since the call for proposals, the Department has noted marked improvements in application diversity, regional representation, and community engagement. Many projects involve partnerships between NGOs, co-operatives, education providers, and private forestry services.
This funding aligns with Ireland’s broader climate objectives and afforestation goals under the Climate Action Plan, which aims to expand the country’s forest cover to help meet carbon neutrality targets by 2050.
A full list of approved projects and funding allocations is available on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s website.
