Forestry establishment grants see 57% increase

There has been a 57% increase in the volume of applications for the forestry establishment grant in the first two months of 2012, according to Forestry Minister Shane McEntee.

The new applications for 3,120 hectares in January and February are additional to financial approvals by the Department of Agriculture for 4,760 hectares for this year’s planting programme.

Mr McEntee said he is confident this year’s target area of 7,000 hectares will be afforested.