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 issuing of €1,464,904 in annual forestry premium payments to Galway forest owners under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme, covering 3,363 hectares of planted forestry across the county.

The Galway payments form part of a national forestry premium payment run, under which almost €23.5 million was paid to more than 6,500 forest owners nationwide.

Minister Canney said the annual, tax-free forestry premiums provide an important source of income certainty for farmers and landowners, while also supporting wider objectives around sustainable land use, biodiversity and climate action.

“These payments recognise the long-term commitment made by forest owners and farmers, and provide ongoing support alongside establishment grants available under the scheme,” Minister Canney said. “They also help underpin continued participation in forestry across counties such as Galway.”

The payments relate to forestry premiums for 2026 and were issued to forest owners who applied through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s online services system. Forest owners who have not submitted their online applications so far, can still apply online for their forestry premiums through the Department’s Online Services website www.agfood.ie

Applications for forestry premium payments remain open throughout the year, with the Department continuing to process applications on an ongoing basis and issue payments weekly as claims are approved.