Forestry Sector

Thursday, 18 December 2025

Questions (591)

Brendan Smith

Question:

591. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new forestry reconstitution scheme will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73677/25]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I recognise that storms Darragh and Éowyn have caused significant damage to forests around the country, and that this presents significant challenges for forestry stakeholders. I also welcome the positive progress made by the forestry sector in the mobilisation of windblown material in forests.

Following Government Approval, alongside Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon I was delighted to recently announce a €55 million Reconstitution Scheme for private forest owners affected by Storm Darragh and Storm Éowyn.

This Reconstitution Scheme contains an attractive package to enable payments to private forest owners for replanting their damaged forest areas, with either conifer or broadleaf species, or a mixture of both. The grant rates offered will reflect the replanting species and will mirror the planting grant rates paid through my Department’s Afforestation Scheme.

Landowners who have already replanted, or are in the process of doing so, are eligible to apply for this scheme retrospectively once they satisfy the qualifying criteria.

Development of this Scheme is underway and it is expected that applications for the scheme will open in early 2026. Further details will issue by circular once available.

I would encourage all forest owners affected by Storms Darragh and Éowyn to avail of this comprehensive Reconstitution Scheme.