Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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854. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to protect Irish woodlands and their biodiversity moving forward from the effects of storms like Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3130/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department recognises that wind events, such as the recent storms Darragh and Éowyn, can cause varying degrees of damage around the country, including damage to trees.

In response to storms Darragh and Éowyn a Taskforce to ensure that storm-damaged forests are managed safely and appropriately has been established. The Taskforce comprises stakeholders representing forest owners, forestry companies, Teagasc and Coillte and held its first meeting yesterday, which was chaired by my colleague Minister Michael Healy-Rae T.D. All issues surrounding these storms were discussed and it was agreed that all will work collaboratively to facilitate an appropriate and timely response to the significant number of blown trees in forests throughout the country.

Our immediate priority is the clearing of such trees in a safe and sustainable manner.