Kerry TD urges more forestry owners to apply for storm damage restoration scheme

Kerry TD and former minister of state, Michael Healy-Rae, has urged more forest owners to apply for a storm damage restoration scheme following promising uptake. Deputy Healy-Rae said he was 'very glad' to see Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow providing relief to affected landowners but asked for every eligible person to avail of the funding. Over 250 applications covering 1,805 hectares have been approved nationally under the Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow which was launched during Deputy Healy-Rae's tenure as Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry. The grant is available for forests that were not insured for the costs of reconstitution and that suffered from significant damage from windblow. Significant damage would mean windblow damage of 20pc or more of the area in the relevant forest. 'When Storms Éowyn and Darragh struck, they caused enormous damage to forests and left landowners facing very difficult decisions and substantial costs,' said Deputy Healy-Rae. 'Behind every damaged plantation was somebody who had invested time, money and years of work into their forestry. 'The eight approvals in Kerry are particularly welcome, as are the hundreds of approvals nationally, but I want every affected landowner to engage and find out what assistance may be available to them.' A further 198 applications covering 1,676 hectares are being assessed nationally. Only one application, covering two hectares, has been refused to date. Payments totalling €315,531 have already been made to eight forest owners for completed works across 14 sites. 'My message to anyone whose forest was damaged is to engage with your forester and the Department, establish whether you qualify and make an application. Do not assume that there is no help available,' said Deputy Healy-Rae. 'The scheme provides replanting grants reflecting the species being planted, with rates mirroring those available under the Department's Afforestation Scheme. It is there to help eligible owners restore forests damaged by these storms. 'I also want to see the remaining applications processed promptly and payments made without unnecessary delay once the required works and checks are completed. 'Securing and launching the scheme was an important step. What matters now is ensuring that the support reaches the people it was intended to help. I would strongly encourage all eligible landowners to apply, and my office is available to assist anyone who needs help making enquiries.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme