Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The recent storms have caused significant damage to farms and forests, which has resulted in considerable hardship throughout the country. I appreciate this opportunity to provide an overview of the current situation and to update the House on my Department's response to Storm Éowyn.

Large numbers of forests throughout the country have fallen trees. Once the storm hit, I immediately issued guidance for those forest owners with windblow. I advised them not to rush into decisions but to make a step-by-step plan to minimise risk and to maximise the salvage value of their plantations. I encourage all forest owners who experienced wind damage in their forests to familiarise themselves with the guidance issued. It is important that forest owners realise that, although their forests have suffered windblow damage, there may well be significant value to be realised from the fallen trees. I urge private forest owners to consult with forestry professionals in Teagasc or with a professional forester who can help them to take the right course of action. I also recommend that owners look into the possibility of co-operating with adjacent forest owners. Lower recovery costs can be achieved and higher prices offered where forest owners achieve economies of scale by working together in these situations.

With regard to our immediate response to the storm damage, along with Coillte, my Department, along with Coillte, has started a process using satellite imagery to provide information nationally at forest level. This assessment of damage nationally using satellite imagery will aid in determining the extent of damage and will provide a map indicating where damage from the recent storms has occurred in each forest. This information will help to inform any next steps. We have already decided to prioritise applications for felling and road licences that are required in storm-affected areas. I assure the House that we are taking all possible steps to facilitate an appropriate response to allow forest owners to clear blown trees in a safe and sustainable manner. Forest owners subject to windblow require a felling licence as trees will still need to be cut, harvested and removed. I am committed to making this process as efficient and fast as possible for our forest owners. Yesterday, I held a meeting of the forestry windblow task force, which comprises key stakeholders including forest owners, forestry companies, Teagasc and Coillte. The aim of the task force is to co-ordinate the response to the storms with particular emphasis on dealing safely with the large areas of forest that have been blown down. I am pleased to say that it was a very positive and collaborative meeting. Everyone's priority is to help those forestry owners who were badly affected by Storm Éowyn. We have scheduled another meeting for early next week to monitor progress, to offer practical advice and to help affected forest owners.

The task force will address the interaction of forestry with power lines. One of the actions for my Department in the programme for Government is to work with the ESB to support and accelerate the timber and vegetation clearance programme. I am fully committed to this process. Contact has already been made with the ESB and we will aim to facilitate any mitigations or actions it proposes with regard to the interaction of power lines and forestry.

This morning, I engaged with forestry owners on the ground in County Meath to see for myself the damage and devastation caused by windblow. I thank the Farrelly family for hosting my officials and me on their land. I look forward to working with all stakeholders and am absolutely committed to addressing the seriousness of the situation we now face.

I am aware of reports of significant damage to the horticultural sector. Just this morning, I met with the Connolly family on their mushroom farm in County Monaghan to witness for myself the effect the storm had on their business, which is substantial. I thank them again for hosting my officials and me this morning. My Department and I will continue to engage with Teagasc and the other stakeholders to get a full handle on the extent of the damage throughout the country. I will meet with representatives of the horticultural subsectors at a meeting of the horticultural industry forum on 11 February. This meeting was not actually due to be held until the end of the month but, due to the seriousness of the situation, I instructed that it be brought forward to next week. This will provide me with an opportunity to hear directly from growers on the impacts of the storm on their sectors and on wider sectoral issues and opportunities. I look forward to this engagement very much.

Finally, I thank the people in County Kerry, the ESB, the local authorities and all of the other agencies for their help.

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