Forest Road Scheme 2023-2027

About this scheme

The Forest Road Scheme 2023-2027 funds the construction of forest harvesting roads in Ireland, providing access for forest management, timber harvesting and transport, and emergency/protection vehicles. Grants cover up to 100% of eligible construction costs, with rates varying by the type of work: harvesting-road construction, upgrading an existing management road, Special Construction Works, Engineering Design Support, and Ecologically Enhanced Forest Roads all have their own rate or cap. An applicant cannot receive more than €500,000 in grant aid under the scheme in any calendar year, other than as approved by the Minister. Eligible applicants are private forest owners (over 18 with a PPSN, or companies with CRO registration) who receive prior technical approval; grant aid is restricted to harvesting roads (not development roads) on forest due for thinning/harvesting within 5 years (10 years for cooperative applications). Applications and grant claims are made via DAFM's iNET system with a Registered Forester, following a public consultation and environmental screening process.

Who can apply

• Individual applicants must be over 18 years of age and hold a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN); companies must provide their company registration (CRO) details
• All private owners of forests are eligible; land owned by public authorities or state-owned companies is not eligible unless construction is part of an agreed cooperative venture
• The applicant must receive technical approval (a Forest Road Licence) from the Minister before construction can begin
• Grant aid is only available for the construction of harvesting roads; applications for development/management roads will not be considered
• Grant-aided road density cannot exceed 25 linear metres per hectare of forest served
• Approvals are granted on a 'just-in-time, just enough' basis: the road must serve forest where thinning/harvesting is imminent within the next 5 years (10 years for cooperative/joint applications)
• Harvesting-standard road construction: grant covers up to 100% of eligible costs at €66 per linear metre
• Upgrading/extending an existing management road to harvesting standard: grant of €40 per linear metre
• Special Construction Works (e.g. permanent bridges, large culverts): grant up to €10,000 or 50% of cost, whichever is lower
• Engineering Design Support Measure (for entrances requiring public-road access work): one-off payment of €1,500
• Ecologically Enhanced Forest Roads (biodiversity-focused road design): up to €1,500 per project
• An applicant cannot receive more than €500,000 in grant aid under the scheme in any calendar year, other than as approved by the Minister

How to apply

1. 1Submit Roads Form 1 (Application for Approval) via DAFM's online iNET system, prepared and signed by a Registered Forester (and a qualified Civil Engineer or Engineering Surveyor where special construction works, road lengths over 500m, or difficult site conditions apply), including the required Forest Road map, Biodiversity map, and specifications (Annex 2 and 3 templates).
2. 2Pay the applicable forestry licence application fee (€20 per licence application; €20 per public submission received) via the Department's payment methods.
3. 3Await technical approval/Forest Road Licence from DAFM; this includes a public notice and minimum 30-day consultation period, and, where applicable, Environmental Impact Assessment or Appropriate Assessment (Natura Impact Statement) screening.
4. 4Construct the road in accordance with the approval, the Forest Road Manual (COFORD), and the Forestry Standards Manual, retaining all receipts and invoices.
5. 5After construction, submit Roads Form 2 (Application for Road Grant) via iNET, prepared with the Registered Forester, to claim the 100% cost-based grant, paid as a single payment.