IFO want support for forest owners after Storm Éowyn

Irish Forest Owners (IFO) want Minister Michael Healy-Rae, and his department to prioritise support for private forest owners whose forests were extensively damaged by storm Éowyn.

“Farmers and forest owners must be given the opportunity to recover at least some value from their damaged crop”, said Derek McCabe, chair of IFO. “All obstacles must be eliminated and we are calling for an amnesty on the requirement for a clearfell licence to remove windblown timber.

“For a forest owner, seeing your years of investment being wiped out overnight is distressing enough, without the added burden of paying a forester to submit a licence application and then waiting months for a decision,” Mr McCabe added.

The IFO also advocating for support to meet replanting obligations.

“This is the moment for the Forest Service to step up and demonstrate their commitment to forest owners by providing timely and fair action for those most affected,” said Mr McCabe.