merrion street

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, Tom Hayes TD, today announced the immediate availability of financial approvals for forestry planting.

Minister Hayes stated “In early October I approved the release of over 1,500 hectares in financial approvals for Autumn planting following significant demand and interest. I am now delighted to be able to announce the general opening of the financial approval process for the afforestation schemes for 2013/2014. Financial approvals are available now for interested applicants with valid technical approvals. There is no set deadline for receipt of such applications - this will be determined by the applicants’ readiness to plant.”

Minister of State Hayes added, “I would like to repeat the message that forestry is a very attractive land-use option for farmers and landowners and the availability of financial approvals presents them with an excellent opportunity to avail of the generous grants and premiums that are on offer”.