The Department of Agriculture has approved 194 felling licence applications for windblow.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae said that 666 applications for clearfell have been received and 480 of these were fresh applications received post storm damage in 2025.

Of those applications which were with the Department before the storms hit, 128 of the 186 have already been approved.

"New clearfell applications with a storm damage element are being approved in around 100 days, less than four months, well within the Farmers' Charter targets," Minister Healy-Rae explained.

Felling applications with windblow issues, that have been notified to the Department, are being prioritised, including those which have been appealed to the Forestry Appeals Committee, he said.

"I will continue to work with the Department and all stakeholders on the Windblow Taskforce to ensure that progress continues," the Minister said.

Currently 65% of the windblown area has a felling licence, with an additional 11% with applications in the system, which are prioritised. Regarding the other 24%, the Department of Agriculture is now writing to these last remaining 24% to encourage them to submit an application.