A new forest windblow taskforce has been established by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), with a primary focus on addressing the needs of forest owners in the aftermath of recent storms. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, and Minister of State for Forestry, Horticulture and Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae, announced the formation of the taskforce on Wednesday, January 29. The ministers emphasized the importance of involving key stakeholders in the taskforce to ensure the safe and appropriate management of storm-damaged forests.
The specific identities of these key stakeholders were not disclosed by the ministers, but DAFM outlined that the taskforce will include representatives from forest owners, forestry companies, Teagasc, and Coillte. Minister Heydon acknowledged the challenges faced by forest owners in the wake of Storm Darragh and Storm Éowyn. He commended the efforts of the ESB in responding to the storms and highlighted the support provided by Coillte in assisting with power restoration and road clearance operations.
Minister Heydon also mentioned plans for direct engagement between his department officials and the ESB regarding trees falling on power lines in forested areas. The taskforce, according to DAFM, will play a crucial role in informing the department’s response to recent storms and will focus on the safe management of the extensive areas of forest that have been impacted. This includes developing a strategy for prioritizing felling licenses for storm-damaged trees and addressing any challenges related to harvesting, haulage, and processing of fallen timber.
Minister Healy-Rae emphasized the importance of conducting a comprehensive national assessment of the storm damage. He highlighted that Coillte and the department have already initiated the assessment process using satellite imagery to gather detailed information at both national and forest-specific levels. Guidance has been provided to forest owners through the department and Teagasc, with a strong emphasis on safety, caution, and seeking expert advice before taking any action.
The establishment of the forest windblow taskforce underscores the government’s commitment to supporting forest owners and ensuring the sustainable management of storm-affected woodlands. By bringing together key stakeholders and experts from various sectors, the taskforce aims to coordinate a strategic and effective response to the challenges posed by recent severe weather events. Minister Heydon and Minister Healy-Rae’s proactive approach in addressing the needs of forest owners and coordinating a collaborative effort to manage storm-damaged forests reflects a commitment to safeguarding Ireland’s valuable forestry resources for future generations.
