Wallace announces forestry payment

THE annual forestry premium payments of almost €57 million in respect of nearly 15,000 plantations has been announced by Forestry Minister Mary Wallace.

She said the average size of forestry holdings is eight hectares and the average premium payment per forest-owner is €3,800.

Ms Wallace said the final processing stage of the payment took place in March, resulting in the payments being issued earlier than last year.

With new markets developing for wood energy, it is an ideal time to plant trees, she said, adding that landowners should examine forestry as a land-use option.