Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
341. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if financial support will be provided to persons whose forestry was completely destroyed in the recent storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10588/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarly indications suggest that less than 1% of the forest area and approximately 1% of the forest volume was blown down in the storm of 12th February.
Whilst direct financial support is not being provided to those whose forestry was destroyed in the storm, a taskforce, chaired by Mr Tom Hayes TD, Minister of State, has been established to assess the damage nationally and to quickly identify the various issues arising as a result of this severe windblow event of the 12th February, and to agree on a course of actions to deal with these issues.
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 forestry advisers are available to meet any forest owner in the Teagasc Office for advice. Forest owners are also urged to get professional advice from qualified foresters to guide them through this process.
