Forestry Grants in Ireland – Introduction to All Schemes

Forestry in Ireland is supported by generous forestry schemes under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). These forestry grants provide funding for everything from new planting and roads to woodland conservation and innovation.

This page gives you a clear overview of each grant. Click through to learn more about how Ecoplan can help you apply, manage, and maximise your payments.

What Forestry Grants Are Available in Ireland?

1. Afforestation Scheme

The main scheme for establishing new forests. Maximum grants of up to €6,744/Ha cover site preparation, planting, fencing, and maximum annual premiums of €1,103/Ha for up to 20 years. Suitable for landowners converting farmland to forestry. This is a good, very generous, time-tested scheme, and well worth looking into.
👉 See our page to learn more on Native Woodland Planting or Forest Establishment.

2. Native Tree Area (NTA) Scheme

Supports small-scale native woodland planting projects (0.1–1 hectare). Ideal for farmers who want to plant trees for biodiversity, shelter, or carbon benefits without committing large land blocks. Annual premiums of up to €2,284/Ha for 10 years. The devil really is in the details for this one, it’s a relatively new scheme and reality may not meet its promise.
👉 Learn more about Native Woodland Planting.

3. Forest Road Scheme 2023-2027

Grants for the construction of forest access roads to enable thinning, harvesting, and long-term management. Payments are based on road length, with up to €55/m and an allowance of 25m/Ha. This is another good, generous, time-tested scheme, but be aware there are legal requirements and strict engineering guidelines, especially if a new entrance onto a public road is needed.
👉 Visit our page on Forest Roads.

4. Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 & Climate Action Performance Payment

Financial support to deal with ash dieback disease by replanting affected sites with alternative species. Includes a ‘climate action bonus’ for reconstitution with diverse species. Site Clearance grant of €2,000/Ha, and replanting grant of up to €6,744/Ha (or €8,555/Ha for Agroforestry), with access to the ‘Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP)’ of €5,000/ha (in 3 tax-free instalments). While this provides support, many ash owners feel it falls far short of covering actual losses.

👉 Learn more about Reconstitution & Forest Management.

5. Native Woodland Conservation Scheme

Helps protect and enhance existing native woodlands through restoration and appropriate management. Includes support for invasive control, fencing, and enrichment planting, and a chance of an annual payment of €500/Ha for 7 years. This was a great scheme, but with strict new eligibility rules not all native woodlands are considered equal.
👉 See our page on Native Woodland Conservation.

6. Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS) 

Funds the management and improvement of existing broadleaf and mixed woodlands. Covers thinning, tending, and continuous cover forestry (CCF). Funding of up to €1,200 per hectare for approved operations, depending on eligibility, the type of work, and woodland structure, and possibly additional payments up to €500/Ha (subject to eligibility and approval). There are very good aspects to this scheme, but it’s not suitable to all sites, and there are some long-term commitments.

👉 See our page on Woodland Improvement.

7. Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme

Provides funding for protective tree shelters and fencing to reduce browsing damage. The maximum DTS grant in pure broadleaf plots is €1,600/ha up to a maximum area of 3 hectares (note: alder is not eligible). Essential in areas with high deer or hare pressure.
👉 See our page on Wildlife Management.

8. NeighbourWood Scheme

Supports local authorities and communities to create and manage “neighbourwoods” – small community woodlands for public access, recreation, and education. Grants of up to €5,000/Ha are available, but there are strict eligibility requirements.

9. Woodland Environmental Fund (WEF)

Allows businesses to provide top-up payments to landowners who plant new native woodlands under the Afforestation Scheme. Creates strong biodiversity and climate partnerships. Landowners participating in the WEF may receive a once-off single payment of €1,000/ha in addition to selected establishment grants and premiums.

10. Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group (KTG) Scheme 2025

Funding for groups of forest owners to share knowledge, attend training, and improve forest management practices. Participants receive payments for attendance. This scheme has received much criticism in the past, so research is essential.

Ecoplan does not run KTG groups, but we can point landowners towards relevant contacts.

11. Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme

Encourages replanting after clearfell using diverse species and mixed approaches to improve resilience against pests, diseases, and climate change. The scheme offers grant funding and annual premia for ecosystem services. It is a good initiative, but is currently only a pilot scheme.

12. Native Woodland Intervention for Industrial Cutover Peatlands – Pilot Scheme 

A pilot scheme to establish and manage native woodland on cutover industrial peatlands, contributing to biodiversity and climate goals. This Pilot Scheme is confined to State bodies who own former industrial cutaway peatlands.

This is not a scheme private landowners can apply for directly.

13. Innovative Forest Technology Scheme – Module 1: Central Tyre Inflation (CTI)

Supports owners and contractors to install CTI technology on machinery, reducing soil damage and improving harvesting efficiency.

This scheme is highly specialised and intended for forestry contractors, not individual landowners.

14. Innovative Forest Technology Scheme – Module 2: Nursery Sector Investment 2023-2027

Provides investment aid to expand and modernise the Irish forest nursery sector, ensuring supply of high-quality planting stock.

This scheme is highly specialised and intended for the nursery sector, not individual landowners.

Note: This page is a practical introduction to forestry grants in Ireland. For the full official terms, conditions, and scheme documents, please see the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Forestry Schemes and Payments page.

Choosing the right forestry grant can be complex, but it’s also one of the most rewarding decisions a landowner can make.

At Ecoplan, we manage the entire process — from scheme selection and application to planning, mapping, consulting, and long-term management. Contact us today to discuss your needs and see which scheme is the best fit, or peruse our Forest Management Services page for more background and information.