Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the Government’s call to all public bodies to lead by example in supporting forest creation on publicly owned land.
Minister Canney was speaking following a Cabinet update from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, who outlined recent engagement by his department to encourage public bodies (local authorities and state agencies), to consider planting trees under the National Forestry Programme 2023–2027.
“This is a smart and strategic move that puts the State’s own land to work for the environment,” said Minister Canney. “Public bodies manage around 8% of Ireland’s land area. That’s a significant opportunity to enhance biodiversity, deliver climate action, and create local green spaces that benefit communities.”
Minister Canney highlighted the tailored support being offered to public landowners under the scheme: “The Department is not just encouraging forestry — they are backing it with expert support, funding for forest establishment, and attractive long-term incentives. This is an opportunity for local authorities and state agencies to future-proof their land for climate and community.”
The Forestry Programme provides options such as Forest Type 3: Forest Creation on Public Lands. The new Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 offers landowners (including local authorities and state agencies) a broad range of planting options, with grants covering the cost of the establishment of a forest and increased yearly premium payments for up to 15 years. Minister Canney noted that this complements the Government’s wider goals on nature restoration, carbon reduction, and rural development, as well as job creation. The forestry sector employs nearly 9,500 people and is worth over €2 billion to the economy.
Minister Canney encouraged all eligible public bodies across the country to get involved and engage with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to explore opportunities on their land.
