Forestry grants likely to increase as use of wood biomass grows

GRANT supports for forestry are likely to increase in the coming years as wood biomass has been identified as having a significant role to play in helping Ireland meet its renewable energy targets, according to Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith.

Some €116 million was allocated to forestry this year. The Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme combines 100% grants for planting and attractive premiums payable for 20 years for farmers, said Minister Smith in reply to a Dáil question tabled by Labour’s agriculture spokesperson Seán Sherlock.

The Cork East-based TD asked the minister to outline any initiatives being taken to promote the emerging wood energy sector, given the considerable opportunity for import substitution.