McCrossan calls for answers over woodland funding

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has called for greater transparency over woodland funding after an Assembly answer revealed substantial differences in payments across constituencies.

Responding to his written question, the Agriculture Minister confirmed that £4,137,275 has been committed through five phases of the Small Woodland Grant Scheme since its introduction in 2020.

Fermanagh and South Tyrone received the highest total payments between 2021/22 and 2025/26, followed by Strangford. Belfast West received comparatively little funding.

Daniel McCrossan said: “Planting native woodland brings real benefits for our countryside, wildlife and the environment. This scheme has an important part to play, and I want to see it work well.

“But when there are substantial differences in funding between constituencies, it is reasonable to ask what is driving them.

“These figures alone do not tell us whether the gaps reflect demand, the availability of suitable land or difficulties accessing the scheme. The Department needs to explain that clearly.

“For landowners in West Tyrone considering planting woodland, the process should be straightforward, with clear information and practical support to help them apply.

“We also need to know whether there are areas where interest is low and what the Department is doing to encourage applications.

“I will be seeking further detail on application numbers, approval rates and the support available so we can properly assess how the scheme is working.”

The Minister confirmed that payments can continue for up to ten years after planting, under the terms of each project’s funding offer.