Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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726. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the concerns of forest owners who have had trees prematurely felled due to weather or other external circumstances and now face losing their annual forestry premiums as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25461/25]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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727. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department is reviewing the policy around the loss of annual forestry grants in cases where forests are prematurely knocked down through no fault of the landowner; and if supports or exceptions will be introduced in such cases. [25462/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 726 and 727 together.

We are continuing to pay annual premiums on the basis of the original contracts in wind blow cases.

My Department is also currently considering the introduction of a Reconstitution Scheme to help these forest owners to replant. 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.

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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728. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has assessed the economic impact on forest owners whose felled timber has been lying for extended periods and has now significantly depreciated in value; and if there are any supports planned to mitigate the financial loss associated with the downgrading of timber to Class B. [25463/25]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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729. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to support forest owners who are unable to achieve fair market value for their timber due to premature felling and delays in collection or sale; and if he will outline any plans to provide compensation or grants in such cases. [25464/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 728 and 729 together.

I recognise that storms Darragh and Éowyn have caused significant damage to forests around the country, with over 25,000 hectares windblown - the equivalent of two and a half years harvest. This presents an enormous challenge to all stakeholders in forestry. Over 11,000 hectares of private forests have been blown down. Most of this area has a felling licence and the Department is prioritising applications with affected areas of windblow.

Alongside Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, I have set up a Forest Windblow Taskforce with stakeholders from across the sector to ensure that storm-damaged forests are managed safely and appropriately, and that all issues in relation to the harvest and mobilisation of timber, and replanting of affected sites, are considered. Already, the sector has responded quickly and harvesting capacity has been increased and new export markets secured. Sawmills here have committed to increasing capacity. While harvesting costs will increase when operating in windblow sites the timber harvested will be sold into the usual markets.

The Taskforce agreed at its last meeting that it will develop a comprehensive action plan. In this regard a detailed workshop, including Taskforce members and facilitated by experts from the Forest Risk Facility, took place earlier this month. The outputs of the workshop will now be used to develop the action plan, which builds on work completed to date and which will provide a framework for the response of the Taskforce to the storms.

Also, my Department, in conjunction with Coillte, has carried out an extensive analysis of the windblow situation using satellite imagery. This has been useful in mapping the boundary of each area effected and providing a national picture of the extent of the damage.

As regards providing support for reconstitution, my Department is currently examining all potential options to support those affected. Under current State Aid guidelines, compensation for loss of timber value or other financial loss is not eligible. 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.

Most trees in forests that have blown will still have some roots attached to the soil and I understand that these trees will not deteriorate in value significantly within 18 months of being blown. It is important, therefore, that forest owners leave the trees in the forest until they have a market for their timber.

I wish to reassure the Deputy and forest owners that my Department determined to work with all in the sector to address the effects of Storm Éowyn and to secure a future for forestry in Ireland.