Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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101. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the forestry section in his Department will make a decision regarding forest owners whose plantations were adversely impacted by the storms in February of 2014; if a decision is envisaged whereby these lands can be replanted with grant aid from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33473/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the difficulties that have been created for many forest owners as a result of the storms of 2014. The frequency and ferocity of these storm events, compounded by waterlogged soils on many forest sites, led to extensive damage on both private and State owned forest lands. While estimates indicate that less than 1% of the national forest area (approximately 8,000 hectares) has been blown down, the damage has been extensive at a local level, especially in the south and parts of the midlands where substantial quantities of timber have been blown down.

Financial support for reinstating privately owned forests affected by the winter storms of 2013/2014 is currently being considered by the Department. A final decision on this matter can be expected shortly.