Photo: Storm Eowyn damage in Corryvaddy forestry
An estimated 23,652 hectares of forests in Ireland have been windblown following Storms Darragh and Eowyn, according to early satellite assessments.
At least five National Forest Inventory (NFI) plots in Donegal are included in the first statistically valid national assessment of storm damage.
There is an approximately even split between public and private forests and Connacht is the worst affected province.
It is estimated that ca. 10 million cubic metres of timber has been affected, predominantly in spruce plantations older than 20 years of age. By way of comparison, in 2023, 4.3 million cubic metres of timber was harvested from Ireland’s forests.
Image from report estimating the Extent of Damage to Forests following Storms Darragh and Éowyn.
A more detailed analysis by Coillte also underway that will give a forest-by-forest assessment.
Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae says the Forest Windblow Taskforce is off to a good start in assessing the damage and response.
He said: “To date we have clarified that existing clearfelling and thinning licences can be used to deal with windblown situations immediately, as well as what needs to be done by forest owners to prioritise their licensing applications where a licence is not already to hand. We have also given guidance to forest owners around health and safety, and around the need to take careful account of advice from Teagasc and private foresters before taking any action.”
The Minister continued: “We have organisations around the table representing forest owner groups, sawmillers, forestry companies, IFA, Teagasc, Coillte and my department. Having more than twice the annual cut on the ground represents an enormous challenge, but I have been impressed with the energy and commitment around the table to tackle every issue that this challenge presents. I would also like to repeat what I have said on numerous occasions – this is a very difficult time for forest owners, but they can be absolutely assured that they are, and will continue to be, at the centre of all of our deliberations at every meeting of the Taskforce.”
