Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1839. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals that will be finalised in respect of the provision of financial support for farmers who have incurred serious financial losses due to damage to forestry caused by storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47337/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I recognise that the winter storms caused significant damage to forests around the country and that this presents 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 examining the provision of all possible supports to those affected. This has included allowing thinning and clearfell licences to be used in removing storm damaged trees and prioritising the processing of storm-related felling and road licence applications and my Department also has advice for farmers and forest owners on its website. Further, while direct compensation cannot be paid, in accordance with EU State Aid rules, my Department is working to introduce a Reconstitution Scheme and I want to reassure affected forest owners that they will not be disadvantaged by undertaking works now. 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 conducted an extensive analysis of the windblow situation using satellite imagery. This has been useful in mapping the boundary of each area affected.

The Forest Windblow Taskforce has examined ways to assist the sector in mobilising and processing windblown timber. The resulting action plan has helped lead to approximately 90% of the harvesting capacity in the country working in windblow areas.

I wish to reassure the Deputy and forest owners, that we continue to work hard to support everyone effected by Storm Éowyn and to secure a future for forestry in Ireland.