Ireland’s forestry sector is set for another investment boost as the gov.ie announcement confirms a new round of support for modern harvesting equipment. The latest Forest Harvesting Grant opening is designed to help contractors, hauliers and producer groups invest in safer, cleaner and more efficient machinery for timber operations nationwide.
Published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the update confirms that Minister of State Niall Collins TD has opened the third tranche of the Innovative Forest Technology Scheme, Module 3. This latest measure broadens eligibility and aims to strengthen sustainable forestry operations at a time when Ireland continues to focus on environmental standards, rural enterprise and transport safety.
Forest Harvesting Grant opens to wider forestry applicants
The new Forest Harvesting Grant is now available not only to forestry contractors, but also to Forestry Producer Groups and licensed hauliers. That wider scope reflects the need for a better-equipped national fleet capable of handling demanding forestry work, including windblow recovery, ash dieback response and broadleaf harvesting.
According to the Department, earlier rounds of the scheme helped bring specialised low-impact machinery into use across Ireland. This next tranche is intended to build on that progress by supporting more investment in advanced forest machinery and timber transport equipment.
- Support is available for new forest harvesting machinery
- Eligible timber transport equipment is included
- On-board automatic load tensioning systems for timber trucks can qualify
- The focus is on sustainability, safety and operational efficiency
How the Sustainable Forest Harvesting Machinery Grant works
Under the scheme, aid is payable at up to 65% of the accepted net cost of capital investment. The minimum investment that can be considered is €5,000 excluding VAT, while the maximum grant aid level is based on €50,000 excluding VAT.
That funding structure is expected to support the adoption of equipment that improves fuel efficiency, reduces environmental impact and strengthens operator safety. For businesses working across Agriculture, Transport and Rural and Community Development, the grant could provide a practical route to upgrading ageing fleets.
Key funding details
- Maximum aid rate: 65%
- Minimum eligible investment: €5,000 excluding VAT
- Maximum investment considered for grant aid: €50,000 excluding VAT
- Application deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 15 September 2026
The department says the investment will help protect water quality, improve road safety and support better fuel use. Those aims also align with wider public policy priorities linked to Climate Action, Local Government and Heritage, and oversight areas that often involve agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Bord Pleanála where infrastructure and environmental standards intersect.
Why this Forest Harvesting Grant matters for Ireland
The Forest Harvesting Grant is about more than machinery purchases. It points to a broader strategy to modernise forestry operations while making them safer for workers and the public. Features such as automatic load tensioning systems on timber trucks can reduce risks on Irish roads and improve transport performance.
It also highlights how departments and public bodies across Ireland increasingly connect policy goals. While this scheme sits under Agriculture, businesses often rely on information from the Revenue Commissioners, Health Service Executive (HSE), Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and Citizens Information Board when managing staffing, taxation, compliance and operational planning.
How to apply
The specification document and application form are available through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on gov.ie. Applications can be submitted by email to Forest-technology@agriculture.gov.ie before the September deadline.
For forestry operators planning capital upgrades, this Forest Harvesting Grant could be one of the most important current supports available. With funding aimed at sustainable harvesting, extraction and timber haulage, the scheme gives eligible applicants a timely chance to invest in equipment that supports productivity, environmental protection and road safety across Ireland.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
