Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, is encouraging eligible forestry businesses and organisations to apply for the latest Sustainable Forest Harvesting Machinery Grant, following the opening of a new round of funding by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

For the first time, the scheme has been expanded beyond Forestry Contractors to include Licensed Hauliers and Forestry Producer Groups, widening access to support for those investing in modern, sustainable forestry equipment.

The grant provides funding of up to 65% of the net cost of eligible machinery and equipment, with grants of up to €50,000 available to support investment in more efficient, environmentally friendly and safer forestry operations.

The scheme provides support to eligible forestry contractors and timber hauliers for the purchase of new forest machinery and timber transport equipment that will optimise the performance of forest operations, including the availability of funding under the scheme towards the purchase of on-board automatic load tensioning systems for timber trucks. The adoption of this technology will help make timber transport safer and more fuel efficient.

Minister Canney said: “Forestry is an important part of our rural economy, and it’s essential that those working in the sector have access to the modern equipment they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently. This scheme is about supporting that investment while also helping to improve sustainability and productivity across the industry.”

“As Minister with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, I particularly welcome the decision to broaden eligibility this year. By including Licensed Hauliers and Forestry Producer Groups alongside forestry contractors, more people involved in the forestry supply chain can benefit from this support.”

Minister Canney added: “Investment in modern harvesting and transport equipment benefits everyone. It helps protect our environment, improves safety on our roads and supports a stronger, more resilient forestry sector. I would encourage anyone who is eligible to take the time to look at the scheme and submit an application.”

The grant is available for eligible investments of between €5,000 and €50,000 (excluding VAT), with funding covering up to 65% of the approved cost.

Applications are now open and must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The specification document and application form are available to view on https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/innovative-forest-technology-scheme-module-3-sustainable-forest-harvesting-machinery-grant/.

Applications should be emailed to [email protected]