Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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91. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up-to-date position regarding supports for farmers whose forestry was severely damaged due to storms, including storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36647/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I recognise that storms Darragh and Éowyn have caused significant damage to forests around the country and that this presents significant challenges to stakeholders in forestry. I welcome the positive progress made by the Forestry Sector in the mobilisation of windblown material in forests.

My Department is prioritising the processing of storm-related felling and road licence applications and has advice for farmers and forest owners on its website. Both thinning and clearfell licences can be used in removing storm damaged trees. Recent data shows that 65% of windblown trees already have a felling licence issued by the Department.

My Department is currently examining the provision of all possible supports to those affected. While direct compensation cannot be paid, in accordance with EU State Aid rules, my Department is exploring the introduction of a Reconstitution Scheme. Without prejudging the outcome of these deliberations, which will be subject to budgetary considerations, I want to reassure affected forest owners that they will not be disadvantaged by undertaking works now and if they do not currently have a felling licence, they should consult with their forester about applying for one.

In addition to financial supports, my Department is using every means at its disposal to assist in the recovery of storm affected timber. 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 affected which can be used by landowners and their foresters.

The Forest Windblow Taskforce was set up with stakeholders from across the sector. It is currently considering the capacity of the sector to mobilise and process windblown timber and is finalising an action plan to identify bottlenecks and rectify them.

Harvesting capacity on the island is being increased and I understand that more than 80% of the harvesting capacity in the country is now working in windblow areas. This is speeding up the collection of material.

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