IFA Farm Forestry Chair Padraig Stapleton has welcomed the announcement of €55 million to be made available for the new Reconstitutions Scheme for private forest owners affected by Storm Darragh and Storm Éowyn.
“Those with the13,000 hectares of private forestry affected by both storms will be able to apply to the scheme in early 2026 once a valid felling licence is in place,” Mr Stapleton said.
“All conditions attached to the felling licence will continue to apply.
“The scheme will provide much needed financial support to landowners to restore damaged forests.”
The grant is proposed to be paid in two instalments: 75 per cent of the grant in the year of replanting and the remaining 25 per cent after four years.
The grant rates offered vary depending on the replanting species as follows: Native Forests €6,744/ha, Broadleaf, mainly oak and beach €6,744/ha, Diverse Broadleaf €4,314/ha, Continuous Cover Forestry €5,421, Mixed high forests: Diverse Conifer €4,452, Mixed high forests with Sitka Spruce and coniferous high forest €3,858.
“It should be noted the level of support under the Reconstitution Scheme for windblow depends on whether the forest was insured for the costs of reconstitution at the time of the storms,” the IFA Forestry Chair concluded.
“However, landowners who have already replanted, or are in the process of doing so, are eligible to apply for this scheme in early 2026 retrospectively once they satisfy the qualifying criteria.”
