Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

348. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when compensation measures will be introduced for farmers whose forestry plantations were badly damaged in storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8916/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department recognises that the recent storms Darragh and Éowyn, have caused varying degrees of damage around the country, including significant damage to trees.

Alongside Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, I invited key stakeholders to participate in a taskforce to ensure that storm-damaged forests are managed safely and appropriately. The Taskforce is meeting regularly and working collaboratively to address all issues arising.

My Department has completed an initial satellite assessment of damage to Irish forests from Storms Darragh and Eowyn and has estimated that the total area blown down will be in the region of 23,652 hectares. This initial damage estimate along with the more high-resolution satellite images that will become available over the coming weeks will inform any necessary next steps including the consideration of any potential support for affected forest owners.