Innovative Forest Technology Scheme - Module 1: Central Tyre Inflation

About this scheme

Module 1 of the Innovative Forest Technology Scheme 2023-2027 supports timber transport operators to invest in Central Tyre Inflation (CTI) systems, which let drivers electronically adjust tyre pressure to reduce road and forest-road surface damage, tyre wear, and vehicle vibration. Eligible vehicles are heavy commercial vehicles (rigid or articulated, up to 46 tonnes) used mainly to haul roundwood timber with an onboard crane. Grant aid covers the purchase and fitting of the CTI system (and associated wide tyres/twin wheels), up to 65% of eligible expenditure excluding VAT, capped at €20,000 per vehicle, paid only on new equipment. Applicants must be State-resident, SME-classified timber transport operators with at least 2 years in the sector, and must own (or hold a long lease on) the vehicle. The scheme runs with an annual limit of 4 projects, assessed first come, first served. Successful applicants sign a Grant Offer Agreement, complete the purchase within 3 months, and claim payment within 4 months, subject to a 5-year restriction on selling or exporting the equipment.

Who can apply

• Applicant must be resident in the State
• Must have been actively operating in the timber transport sector for a minimum of 2 years (24 months)
• Must be the registered owner of the eligible vehicle(s) to be fitted with CTI (vehicles on hire purchase are not eligible; leased vehicles are eligible only where at least 5 years remain on the lease from the date of application)
• Must be classified as an SME as defined in Annex I of Commission Regulation (EU) No. 651/2014
• The vehicle(s) must be used predominantly for timber transport and registered in the State
• Only expenditure on new equipment is eligible; second-hand equipment, and equipment acquired via lease or hire purchase, does not qualify
• No other State financial assistance may be sought for the same equipment
• Individuals must be over 18 and provide a PPSN; corporate bodies must provide a company registration, tax, or charity (CHY) number, plus a VAT number if VAT-registered

How to apply

1. 1Submit an application on the official Innovative Forest Technology Scheme Module 1: CTI Application Form, by post to the Preapproval Section, Forestry Division, or by email to Approvals.ForestService@agriculture.gov.ie, before the annual limit of 4 approved projects (or the available annual budget) is reached.
2. 2If successful, sign and return the Grant Offer Agreement to the Department within 21 days of the offer being made.
3. 3Purchase and fit the CTI system (new equipment only) within 3 months of accepting the Grant Offer, ensuring full ownership transfers to the applicant before claiming payment.
4. 4Register on the Department's Corporate Customer System (CCS), then submit Grant Form 2 (Application for Grant Payment) with proof of expenditure (original invoices/receipts and proof of payment) within 4 months of signing the Grant Offer Agreement.
5. 5Receive grant payment by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), net of VAT, once the equipment is confirmed fully fitted, operational, and compliant with the scheme's technical specifications.