Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1681. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the impact of recent storm damage on private forestry plantations (details supplied); the support schemes or compensation options that are available or under consideration for affected landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18860/25]

Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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1710. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 232 of 26 February 2025, if he will provide an update in relation to the assessment of damage to Irish forests from storms Darragh and Éowyn and the deliberations that have taken place regarding support for affected landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19536/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1681 and 1710 together.

I recognise that the recent storms Darragh and Éowyn have caused varying degrees of damage around the country, including significant damage to trees and that this presents challenges to all stakeholders in forestry. The total area estimated to be affected by storms Darragh and Éowyn is 26,050 hectares. Of this Coillte lands make up 14,500 hectares while private lands make up 11,550 hectares. All licence applications with affected areas of windblow will be prioritised by my Department.

We are currently examining all potential options to support those affected, including a reconstitution scheme. However, without prejudging the outcome of these deliberations, I want to reassure affected forest owners that they will not be disadvantaged by undertaking clearance or replanting now and if they do not currently have a felling licence, they should consult with their forester about applying for one.