Minister Healy-Rae announces Open Call for proposals for Forestry Skills Training 2025 - 2026
- Published on: 16 June 2025
- Last updated on: 16 June 2025
Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae, TD, has today announced the second tranche of the open call for proposals for Forestry Skills Training. This public call for proposals for training projects aims to expand the knowledge and capacity of various groups in the forestry sector. Targeted groups include forestry students in higher level education, registered foresters and forestry contractors.
Announcing the call, Minister of State Healy-Rae, said:
“I am delighted to announce the launch of this dedicated training call. It is essential that the importance of appropriate skills training within the forestry sector is recognised, for both forestry students embarking on their forestry career and those already engaged within the forestry sector. This open call will help to support projects that address the current technical and safety needs of the sector, ensuring that the industry continues to operate in a safe and productive manner.”
This call has two modules, each targeting a different group within the forestry sector. Module 1 will be aimed at training students registered on full-time forestry programmes at QQI Level 5 and above, while module 2 is for proposals aimed at training forestry professionals and others working, or considering working, within the forestry sector. It is expected that three proposals per module, for a total of six projects at a maximum of €50,000 per project, will be funded per annum.
Applications are invited from any group or individual. Projects should meet one of the ten training priorities identified, which are listed below:
- Environmental Compliance
- Forest Operator Skills
- Forest Protection and Forest Health
- Health and Safety
- Sustainable Forest Management
- Climate Mitigation in forests and timber
- Adaptation of Forests, for climate change
- Forestry Legislation
- Forest Technology
- Ecology
The training priorities are the same for both modules. This competitive process is open to all, and applications are sought from as wide a range of stakeholders as possible, to cover each of the Training Priorities.
Notes to Editors:
· The Specification Document and application form are available to view on Call for Proposals Forestry Skills Training 2025-2026
· Applications may be emailed to ForestrySkillsTraining@agriculture.gov.ie
· The closing date for applications is 5pm on 11 July 2025