Managing forestry storm damage
Storm Éowyn, which passed over Ireland on January 24, caused severe impacts on many forests. In the aftermath of this unprecedented weather event, work is ongoing to quantify the extent of storm damage around the country. The provision of support to impacted forest owners is a top priority.
Advice from Teagasc staff
Teagasc forestry advisory staff are available to provide guidance to forest owners affected by storm damage. With professional advice, the development of a step-by-step plan and careful management, farmers and other forest owners will be best placed to address storm damage, to minimise risk and to recover as much value as possible.
Windblow Task Force
Teagasc is also collaborating with forestry stakeholders in a recently-assembled Windblow Task Force. This has been convened to help ensure that storm-damaged forests are managed safely and appropriately and that the recovery processes are planned in a co-ordinated way, with the needs of forest owners prioritised.
Important issues to address include the potential to accelerate the licencing process, the capacity in the sector to harvest material and the markets for this timber.
Guidance for affected forest owners
Teagasc has issued guidance to forest owners on managing storm damage. The emphasis is on safety and the importance of planning the recovery process and getting advice. This guidance incorporates the following key points:
- Don’t rush in – prioritise safety first
- Check your insurance status
- Seek professional guidance and advice
- Assess the damage in a safe manner
- Ensure a valid felling licence is in place
- Plan access and apply for a road licence, where required
- Selling timber (pdf) – engage all available markets and secure the best deal
- Keep records and monitor progress
- Prepare an appropriate replanting plan
Assessment of damage extent
Work is ongoing by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Coillte to assess the extent of damage nationally. This includes using analysis of satellite imagery, which will provide information nationally and at forest level.
Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from the European Commission’s Copernicus Browser is openly accessible to facilitate mapping and damage assessment of forests. DAFM has issued a useful guidance video on the use of this facility.
Update on windblow-related licence applications
Under the Forestry Act 2014, DAFM has confirmed that windblown trees require a felling licence, as they still need to be cut harvested and removed. There is a commitment to making the application as efficient and fast as possible and further options are being explored for a simplified approach, with due regard for environmental obligations.
All windblow-related licence applications submitted on or before August 31, 2025 will be prioritised. The same also applies for applications already submitted and notified to DAFM as being impacted by the storms.
DAFM has issued a Frequently Asked Questions document on Forestry Windblow and Storm damage 2025.
This guidance answers many questions, in particular questions around felling licences whether new applications not yet submitted, applications already in the system and the necessary amendments for felling licences covering thinning.
The DAFM also have issued a number of Circulars on Windblow.
Managing storm damage events
Teagasc will also be organising collaborative events in the coming days and weeks to support forest owners in managing storm-damaged forests. Details of upcoming events, as they are announced, will be posted on our forestry events page.
Teagasc support is available
Storm damage can be a serious challenge, but with the right plan, expert support, and safety measures, forest owners can manage the impact, protect their forests, and recover as much value as possible. Contact your local Teagasc forestry advisory staff and log onto www.teagasc.ie/forestry.