The aftermath of Storm Éowyn has left a trail of destruction across forest plantations in Ireland, prompting calls for international assistance to help with the harvesting of downed trees. The newly formed Forest Windblow Taskforce, led by Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and the Marine Martin Heydon and Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, is set to convene once more today to tackle the challenges arising from the storm’s impact on the forestry sector.
Ahead of the taskforce meeting, Padraig Stapleton, the forestry chairperson of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), has outlined a series of requests for the government. Stapleton emphasized the need for reassurance for forest owners who have suffered significant damage, urging for funding to support the felling of damaged trees and the restoration of affected forests. He also called for the declaration of a state of emergency to access European funds and stressed the importance of controlling timber imports to prevent market oversupply.
Stapleton highlighted the urgency of seeking international assistance to expedite the harvesting process and clear the fallen trees from the affected areas. The Forest Windblow Taskforce, comprising stakeholders from various sectors including forest owners, forestry companies, Teagasc, and Coillte, aims to prioritize felling licenses for storm-damaged trees and address logistical challenges in harvesting, haulage, and processing.
Following the initial meeting on February 4, Minister Healy-Rae expressed optimism about the taskforce’s progress, noting discussions on expediting licensing procedures, assessing sector capacity for harvesting, and identifying potential timber markets. He emphasized the importance of providing practical support and guidance to forest owners as they navigate the aftermath of the storm.
The collaborative efforts of the Forest Windblow Taskforce underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the immediate challenges facing the forestry sector in the wake of Storm Éowyn. By mobilizing resources and expertise both domestically and internationally, Ireland aims to mitigate the impact of the storm and support the recovery of its valuable forestry resources.
