The Irish government is under pressure to take immediate action to prevent the forestry planting sector from collapsing in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Storm Éowyn. The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has issued a stark warning, stating that Ireland’s forestry industry was already facing challenges even before the storm hit. The current “windblown crisis,” if not effectively managed, has the potential to lead to disastrous consequences. Edmond Phelan, the ICSA’s rural development chairperson, emphasized the urgency of the situation, asserting that if timber prices are drastically reduced for growers, it could spell the end for the industry.
Phelan called for a NAMA-style rescue plan to be implemented swiftly to provide structured support and stability to the market, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Irish forestry. He highlighted the critical role of the government in responding to the crisis, emphasizing that the decisions made now will impact the future of forestry in Ireland. With approximately half of the windblown areas being privately owned forests, many belonging to farmers and landowners who are new to the sector, the need for a comprehensive solution is more pressing than ever.
The immediate focus, according to Phelan, should be on providing reconstitution grants to cover the costs of replanting. He stressed the importance of stabilizing timber prices to support affected growers. Phelan pointed out that the extent of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn is unprecedented, with estimates indicating that around 24,000 hectares of forestry have been affected. However, when factoring in the additional area required for clearing windblown sections, the total impact could be closer to 30,000 hectares.
Comparing the current situation to past storms, Phelan highlighted the magnitude of the challenge posed by Storm Éowyn. While Storm Darwin in 2014 resulted in the destruction of 8,320 hectares of forest, the aftermath of Storm Éowyn is estimated to have caused the downfall of between 10 and 12 million cubic meters of timber. Phelan warned that failure to intervene in the pricing mechanisms within the industry could lead to a catastrophic collapse in timber values, jeopardizing the livelihoods of many farmers.
In addition to the reconstitution grant, Phelan proposed the introduction of a ‘climate action performance payment’ to complement the assistance provided to growers, drawing parallels to the ash dieback scheme. He stressed the necessity of establishing a NAMA-style entity to intervene in the market and safeguard growers from exploitation. Phelan emphasized that the repercussions of inaction extend beyond individual farmers, impacting Ireland’s forestry program as a whole and its ability to meet climate targets.
The fate of Ireland’s forestry sector hangs in the balance, with Phelan cautioning that the government’s response will shape its future. The ability to attract new landowners to engage in tree planting hinges on the effective handling of the current crisis. Urgency and decisive action are paramount to prevent a collapse that could have far-reaching implications for Ireland’s environmental and economic landscape.
