My Department recognises that the recent storms Darragh and Éowyn, have caused varying degrees of damage around the country, including significant damage to trees and that this presents challenges to all stakeholders in forestry.
My Department officials are in regular contact with the ESB, particularly in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn. On 5th February 2025, a decision was made by Government to request ESB Networks to develop a Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan, which was presented at Cabinet this week. A key component of this plan is the the requirement to safeguard the electrical network that passes through forests. In this regard ESB have engaged with my Department, Coillte, Department of Environment Climate and Communications and I understand they are also engaging with the Irish Farmers Association.
I understand that amongst other items, a commitment to review forestry setbacks and corridors in relation to the safeguarding of the electrical network will form part of the plan. I understand, any new agreement on corridor widths will inform my Department in updating their forestry related requirements.
