Green Power Play: Forestry Farmer Calls on Healy-Rae to Flex Political Muscle

"Galway Forestry Farmer Seeks Assistance from Minister Healy-Rae After Storm Éowyn Devastation"

A forestry farmer in Galway is pleading for assistance from Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Michael Healy-Rae, following the devastating impact of Storm Éowyn on his farm. Tom Cunningham, hailing from Glinsk, Co. Galway, established a 30-acre forestry farm three decades ago. The recent storm wreaked havoc on his farm, leaving him and numerous others in the forestry industry grappling with the aftermath and uncertain of how to proceed. Cunningham described the scene as not entirely flattened, but with significant damage, stating, “It’s not completely flattened, but what isn’t flattened is loose, it’s all mangled. I haven’t got through to the sawmill yet, because there are hundreds of acres here in Galway decimated. It’s a sad sight to see.”

Cunningham revealed that he was unable to secure insurance for his farm due to storms like Éowyn being classified as an “act of God.” He recounted the sleepless night during the storm, detailing the destruction of his fence and polytunnel, but emphasizing that the most significant loss was the forestry itself. Reflecting on the impact, he expressed deep disappointment, saying, “You get on in years and years you look forward to a payout day, a pension scheme, whatever phrase you want to use, now those dreams are shattered.”

The cleanup efforts for forestry farmers in the west of Ireland have yet to commence fully, as many are still lacking crucial resources in the aftermath of the storm. Cunningham highlighted the challenges they are facing, stating, “We’re a full week without electricity, we’ve no internet. I have tried ringing different individuals but can’t get through, I’ve no phone coverage because the lines are still down.” Urging the government to intervene and provide support to the forestry industry, he drew parallels with previous instances of government assistance following natural disasters, emphasizing the need for immediate action given the long-term nature of forestry farming.

Minister Michael Healy-Rae has been assigned a special role in overseeing forestry by the government, offering a glimmer of hope for Cunningham and others impacted by Storm Éowyn. Cunningham expressed his expectations from the government officials, saying, “I’ll be calling on the government to flex their political muscles, the Michael Healy-Raes of this world. I will be seriously disappointed if we can’t get a bit of backup from the likes of that man.” Looking ahead, Cunningham admitted to the uncertainty of the future, remarking on the lack of a long-term plan amidst the shock and challenges they are currently facing. Dismissing any attempts at humor regarding the situation, he emphasized the severity of the impact, stating, “Some jokers say you’ll never be stuck for firewood. It’s not very funny. The shock and the cleanout has been so hard, we haven’t thought beyond today and tomorrow.”

The plea from Galway’s forestry farmer sheds light on the urgent need for assistance and support for those affected by Storm Éowyn in the forestry sector. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the storm, the call for redress and aid from the government remains a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action.

Matt Lyons

Matt Lyons

Matt Lyons is the founder of Forestry & Carbon. Matt has over 25 years as a forestry consultant and is invoilved in numerous carbon credit offset projects.

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