Clinics to support storm-hit woodland owners

Teagasc has announced a nationwide series of one-to-one forestry clinics aimed at supporting forest owners affected by severe storm damage over the past year.

The clinics, which began on 21 August and will run until 23 September, are being held in areas where significant damage occurred during Storm Darragh in December 2024 and Storm Éowyn January 2025. Fourteen sessions are planned in towns across the country, including Claremorris, Ballinasloe, Mullingar, Longford, Manorhamilton, Letterkenny and Ennis.

At each event, forest owners can book a free, private consultation with a Teagasc forestry adviser. The sessions are designed to help landowners navigate the challenges of post-storm timber harvesting, sales, and replanting.

Tom Houlihan, acting head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department, said the initiative was intended to give practical, tailored support. “With current timber harvesting very much focused on storm impacted forests, it is in every forest owner’s interest to be as informed as possible and to be in control of both timber harvesting and sales. Teagasc forestry advisors are available to support forest owners on all aspects of forestry,” he said.

Topics to be covered include securing felling licences, accessing roading supports, planning sales, contracts, timber security and reforestation. Owners are advised to bring maps and relevant information to make the most of the consultation.

The clinics are open to both storm-affected and new forest owners, though advance booking is required. Contact details for each location are available through Teagasc offices.