Heydon weighs up 'reconstitution scheme' for forest owners hit by storms

Eighty per cent of the timber harvesting capacity in the county is now working in windblow areas and this is speeding up the collection of material.

Cavan Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith had tabled Parliamentary Questions in Dáil Eireann in relation to the up to date position regarding supports for farmers whose forestry was severely damaged due to storms including Storm Éowyn.

In his reply in Dáil Eireann the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said his Department is prioritising the processing of felling and road licence applications related to Storms Darragh and Éowyn.

"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," he said.

"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."

Minister Heydon added that his 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."

Capacity

The Forest Windblow Taskforce is currently considering the capacity of the sector to process windblown timber and is "finalising an action plan" to identify and address "bottlenecks".

"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,” concluded the Agriculture Minister.