Up to €250,000 available for forest nurseries in Kilkenny through Forest Technology Scheme

Applications are open for the second tranche of the Innovative Forest Technology Scheme: Module 2 - Investment Aid for the Development of the Forest Tree Nursery Sector.

The scheme supports commercial nurseries to enhance the quantity, quality and diversity of native tree species. Nurseries can receive up to €250,000 funding for capital investments in specialised equipment for native forest tree production.

Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, said: “We have ambitious targets for tree planting, backed up by our €1.3 billion Forestry Programme. This funding will support the forest tree nursery sector to deliver high quality native trees at scale for forest owners.”

The scheme is open to seed and tree suppliers of all sizes, from smaller operations to established nurseries. It is also available to new entrants to the sector seeking to diversify their business. 

The types of projects and items eligible for funding may include the following actions:

• Seed collection equipment.
• Seed storage infrastructure.
• Polytunnel infrastructure / equipment.
• Irrigation systems and infrastructure.
• Transplanting systems.
• Grading machines.
• Biosecurity   investments   such   as   water   treatment   and   refrigeration equipment.
• General costs linked to items above
• Cost of native tree species seed.

The closing date for applications is 26 February 2024. Further information on how to apply is available on the Department’s website.