Forest owners are being encouraged to apply for road funding.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) made the call despite the ongoing issues with the excessive red tape associated with the Forest Road scheme.

IFA Farm Forestry Chairman Pat Collins said: "A forest road is crucial for the haulage of timber to allow for economic and efficient harvesting operations. €2m is still available in the 2017 budget that would support farmers to construct 52,000 metres of new roads. A road is the first step in timber production and the generation of an income outside of the forest premium."

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Thinning is one of the most important things a forest owner can do to influence the growth and health of their forest. It can generate revenue and increases the value of remaining trees.

Mr Collins continued: "The planning permission needed for a forest entrance has acted as a barrier in the past. The main reason is the additional costs and time delays associated. However, the introduction of a new bellmouth allowance in 2016 of 20 metres or €800 per application (subject to costs) for new or modified road entrances has supported more farmers to apply for the scheme."

(CD/LM)