Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

122. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the scheme will open for landowners to apply for funding to replant ground damaged as a result of storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54901/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I recognise that storms Darragh and Éowyn have caused significant damage to forests around the country, and that this presents significant challenges for forestry stakeholders. I also welcome the positive progress made by the forestry sector in the mobilisation of windblown material in forests.

As part of Budget 2026 I was delighted to announce an additional €5 million allocation for forestry in Ireland compared to 2025, bringing our total investment in the area in 2026 to €93 million. This investment will include a Forestry Reconstitution Scheme for those affected by windblown sites, subject to Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation approval. Once formal approval is secured, my Department will move quickly to introduce the scheme.

This will build on the good work already undertaken. Following the storms I quickly established the Forest Windblow Taskforce and delivered an action plan created in conjunction with stakeholders from across the sector, focused on the mobilisation and processing of windblown timber.

My Department has been working hard and is using every means at its disposal to assist in the recovery of storm affected timber. This has included, in conjunction with Coillte, 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. This has simplified the process of prioritising storm-related felling and road licence applications.

To further speed up the process, we have allowed the use of both thinning and clearfell licences in removing storm damaged trees, and our data now shows that 77% of windblown trees already have a felling licence issued by the Department.

All this has meant that more than 90% of the harvesting capacity in the country is now working in windblow areas.

Finally, 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. I also 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 as soon as possible about applying for one.