Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 July 2014
384. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider aid towards the cost of replanting in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30299/14]
View answerThe storm earlier in the year has indeed been damaging to Irish forests particularly in the south of the country. In order to establish the most appropriate response for forest owners and the forest industry a taskforce, chaired by Mr Tom Hayes TD, Minister of State, and comprising of the Irish Forest and Forest Products Association, the Irish Timber Growers Association, the Irish Farmers Association, Coillte Teoranta and Teagasc has been put in place to assess the damage nationally and to identify the various issues arising. The taskforce has issued a guidance note for forest owners, laying down the steps to consider in safely harvesting and selling the fallen trees and giving advice on a range of other associated issues. Teagasc, in association with Coillte and my Department held two very successful events on managing storm damage in farm forests. These events were attended by over 400 forest owners. Teagasc forestry advisers continue to be available to discuss the issue with forest owners affected. Forest owners are also urged to get professional advice from qualified foresters to guide them through this process. In relation to the specific point regarding whether my Department will provide direct financial support for replanting these areas, I can report that while this matter has been give careful consideration, the Department has no plans to provide funds for replanting areas damaged by storms.
