Serious concern was expressed in the Dáil last week over the slow rollout of the Government’s €55m reconstitution scheme for forests damaged by storm Darragh and storm Éowyn.

In reply to a question from deputy Carol Nolan (pictured), the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, said there had been 33 applications for the scheme, one of which was approved, but that no payments had been made.

Deputy Nolan described progress on the scheme to-date as “disappointing”, and claimed that “bureaucratic delays and slow processing” was to blame.

“Forest owners need urgent help to clear damaged timber, restore their land and protect their incomes.

“The current pace is completely inadequate,” deputy Nolan said.

Just over 26,000ha of forest was seriously damaged by storm Darragh and storm Éowyn, including approximately 13,000ha of private forests.

It is still unclear what area of the damaged forests have been cleared or replanted since the storms.

Interest

Forestry advisors report good interest in the scheme, but claim that the focus for most private forest owners is getting damaged plantations cleared.

Under the scheme a payment of €6,744/ha is available for replanting with broadleaf and native tree species.

In addition, €5,421/ha is being paid for continuous cover forestry, €4,314/ha for diverse broadleaf, €4,452/ha on diverse conifer and €3,858/ha on Sitka spruce and coniferous high forest.