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New Reconstitution Scheme 2026 Ireland: Storm Darragh and Éowyn Forestry Grants

New Reconstitution Scheme for Storm-Damaged Forests in Ireland (2026 Detailed Guide)

Storm Darragh (December 2024) and Storm Éowyn (January 2025) caused widespread windblow damage across Ireland’s forests. In response, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) announced a New Reconstitution Scheme with up to €55 million available to support private forest owners in replanting damaged forests.

 

Official announcement (DAFM):
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/press-releases/minister-michael-healy-rae-confirms-up-to-55-million-will-be-available-to-private-forest-owners-affected-by-storms-darragh-and-éowyn-through-new-reconstitution-scheme/

Quick Summary for Forest Owners

  • Budget available: Up to €55 million
  • Who it is for: Private forest owners impacted by windblow from Storm Darragh and Storm Éowyn
  • Applications open: Early 2026
  • How to apply: Applications can only be submitted through a registered forester
  • Key requirement: A valid felling licence is required, and licence conditions continue to apply
  • Insurance factor: Support level depends on whether the forest was insured for reconstitution costs at the time of the storms
  • Already replanted: Retrospective applications may be possible if qualifying criteria are met

Useful sector references:
IFA: https://www.ifa.ie/farm-sectors/new-reconstitution-scheme-for-private-forest-owners-affected-by-windblow-announced/
Agriland: https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/up-to-e55m-funding-for-storm-reconstitution-scheme/

What Is the New Reconstitution Scheme?

The New Reconstitution Scheme is a targeted forestry support programme designed to help private forest owners replant forests damaged by Storm Darragh and Storm Éowyn.

In practical terms, it is a replanting support scheme which helps cover the costs of re-establishing a forest crop after windblow. The vary depending on what you replant, for example conifer, mixed planting, broadleaf, native woodland, or Continuous Cover Forestry.

This matters because reconstitution is not only about putting trees back in the ground. It is also about restoring long-term productivity, supporting a healthy established crop, and creating a forest plan that makes sense for the site, exposure, access, and long-term objectives.

If you need support planning the replant, see Forestry Services’ reforestation support here:
https://forestryservices.ie/reforestation/

When Does the Scheme Open?

DAFM has indicated that applications will open in early 2026. The scheme specification and application form are also expected to be published in early 2026.

Even though the application window is not open yet, there is still a lot you can do now. Early planning usually prevents delays later, especially where felling licences, contractor availability, and mapping are involved.

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is aimed at private forest owners whose forests were impacted by storm windblow from Storm Darragh and Storm Éowyn.

Based on the published information, the key requirements include:

Apply through a registered forester

Applications must be made through a registered forester. This means forest owners do not submit directly. Your forester prepares and submits the application on your behalf.

If you need to connect with a forester, you can use Forestry Services’ directory here:

Hold a valid felling licence

A valid felling licence is required, and the licence conditions continue to apply. This is a major point that owners should confirm early, because licensing can affect your timeline.

Insurance status may affect support levels

DAFM indicated that the level of support depends on whether the forest was insured for reconstitution costs at the time of the storms. Practical takeaway: have your insurance position and documentation ready, because it may influence your application details.

Retrospective applications may be possible

If you have already replanted, or you are in the process of doing so, retrospective eligibility may be possible once qualifying criteria are met. Practical takeaway: keep strong records of what was done, where, when, and how.

Do You Need a Felling Licence?

Yes. A valid felling licence is required, and the licence conditions continue to apply.

Practical advice: confirm your licence status early and make sure your operational plan aligns with licence requirements. Harvesting of windblown timber can be complex, and licence clarity helps avoid delays and rework later.

If you need harvesting support, these pages are useful:
Forest Thinning and Harvesting:

Grant Rates per Hectare (Published Proposed Rates)

. Rates vary depending on the replanting category.

Native Forests: €6,744 per hectare
Broadleaf (mainly oak and beech): €6,744 per hectare
Diverse Broadleaf: €4,314 per hectare
Continuous Cover Forestry: €5,421 per hectare
Mixed high forests (diverse conifer): €4,452 per hectare
Mixed high forests with Sitka spruce and coniferous high forest: €3,858 per hectare

Note: Your replanting category should match your site, exposure, objectives, and compliance requirements. A registered forester can guide you on the most appropriate option based on your specific site conditions.

How Are Payments Made?

The proposed payment structure is:

  • 75% in the year of replanting
  • 25% after four years

This structure is designed to support both planting and establishment. Practical takeaway: aftercare matters. Survival, stocking, and maintaining the site to standard can influence long-term success and the ability to reach the final payment milestone.

What You Should Do Now (Before Applications Open)

If your forest has windblow, the best approach is to follow a structured recovery pathway. It saves time and reduces stress once the application window opens.

Step 1: Assess the extent of damage and map it clearly

Start with a clear picture of:

  • Which compartments are affected
  • Approximate area damaged (hectares)
  • Type of damage (complete windthrow, partial windblow, edge damage)
  • Site access constraints (roads, slope, wet ground, brash)

 

Step 2: Confirm felling licence status and constraints

Confirm:

  • A valid licence is in place for the required area
  • Conditions that could affect operational timing or methods are understood
  • You have the correct maps and documentation ready

Step 3: Plan harvesting and clearance safely

Windblown sites can be hazardous. A proper plan should consider:

  • Safety risks and machine access
  • Timber recovery and extraction routes
  • Brash management and site protection
  • Minimising soil damage, especially on sensitive or wet sites
  • Contractor availability and timeline

Useful pages:
Forest Thinning and Harvesting: https://forestryservices.ie/forest-thinning-harvesting/
Timber Harvesting: https://forestryservices.ie/timber-harvesting/

Step 4: Decide the right replanting approach for your site

Many owners ask: should I replant the same crop, or change the mix?

There is no one answer for everyone. A good replanting plan considers:

  • Soil type and drainage
  • Exposure and wind risk
  • Long-term timber objectives and future market options
  • Resilience and species diversity
  • Access for future management and harvesting

Reforestation support: https://forestryservices.ie/reforestation/

Step 5: Gather documentation now to avoid delays later

Create a simple file with:

  • Photos and videos of damage
  • Maps showing the affected area
  • Notes on the damage (dates, access issues, operational challenges)
  • Insurance documentation (if applicable)
  • Contractor quotes and invoices
  • Records of any work already completed, including replanting details if applying retrospectively

Step 6: Be ready to apply through a registered forester

Applications must be made through a registered forester. If you do not already have one engaged, it is worth doing so early.

 

If You Have Already Replanted (Retrospective Applications)

If you have already replanted, retrospective applications may be possible once qualifying criteria are met.

Practical advice for retrospective cases:

  • Keep receipts and invoices for plants, site preparation, contractors, fencing, and any related works
  • Keep dated photos before, during, and after replanting
  • Keep maps showing the exact replanted areas
  • Record the planting mix and stocking details
  • Ensure works align with felling licence conditions and good forestry practice

Retrospective applications become much easier when records are complete and organised.

Common Issues That Delay Applications

From experience, delays usually come from:

  • Unclear mapping of the damaged area
  • Felling licence status not aligned with the planned works
  • Missing insurance documentation where applicable
  • Replanting plan not clearly linked to a grant category
  • Works started without adequate records, especially difficult for retrospective cases

A structured approach now can prevent weeks of back-and-forth later.

How Forestry Services Ltd Can Help

Reconstitution after windblow is a major project. It involves technical planning, safe harvesting, compliance with licence conditions, replanting design, and the administrative work required for a clean grant application.

Forestry Services Ltd can support forest owners with:

  • Damage assessment and mapping support
  • Harvesting planning and coordination
  • Replanting strategy and specification
  • Project management from harvesting through reforestation and establishment
  • Helping you prepare the file needed for a smooth application process

Relevant pages:
Grants and Premiums: https://forestryservices.ie/grants-premiums/
Reforestation: https://forestryservices.ie/reforestation/
Forest Thinning and Harvesting: https://forestryservices.ie/forest-thinning-harvesting/
Contact: https://forestryservices.ie/contact/

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the New Reconstitution Scheme open?

Applications are expected to open in early 2026.

Do I need a felling licence to apply?

Yes. A valid felling licence is required, and its conditions continue to apply.

Do I have to apply through a registered forester?

Yes. Applications must be submitted through a registered forester.

Can I apply if I already replanted?

Retrospective applications may be possible if qualifying criteria are met. Strong records are important.

How is the grant paid?

The proposed structure is 75% in the year of replanting and 25% after four years.

What are the grant rates?

Proposed rates vary by replanting category and range from €3,858 per hectare up to €6,744 per hectare (published proposed rates).

Next Step: Talk to a Forester Before You Commit to a Plan

Every windblow site is different. The right approach depends on exposure, access, safety, licence requirements, and long-term objectives.

If your forest was impacted by Storm Darragh or Storm Éowyn and you want practical guidance on the most suitable recovery pathway, Forestry Services Ltd is here to help.

Find Your Local Forester: https://forestryservices.ie/find-your-local-forester/
Contact: https://forestryservices.ie/contact/

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Forestry Services Ltd

Our ten-year relationship with Forestry Services stands as a testament to their reliability and excellence. Forestry Services has guided us expertly in finding and planting our forestry, ensuring that we make informed decisions at every step. Their insights and recommendations have been invaluable in helping us achieve our goals. The professionalism of Forestry Services is evident in every interaction. Their team members are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also courteous and dedicated. They consistently maintain a high standard of professionalism that has made our partnership both productive and enjoyable.

Les H Dublin

We employed Forestry Services to deal with our wind farm tree felling and replanting issues. We were very pleased with the outcome and the way they went about their business. They took ownership of the issues involved and the experience that they brought to bear in terms of finding suitable forestry locations and in their dealings with the Forestry service allowed that portion of the project to progress in a smoothly and in a timely manner. I would have no issue in recommending Forestry Services and intend to use them again in the future.

Dave McNamara

Forestry Services Ltd have provided Gaelectric Developments Ltd with their professional services such as obtaining felling licences, forestry valuations, forestry advice and felling of forestry on time and in budget for a number of our wind farm sites.

Karen McDermott

Paddy Bruton is a most personable individual, notwithstanding the fact that he is a dedicated hard working professional, who delivers on time and on budget. It is a pleasure doing business with him, as he is very well informed and extremely knowledgeable whilst exuding self-confidence and assurance, all of which are very reassuring for those transacting business with him.Baptistgrange, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Victor Quinlan

At this stage, Forestry Services have planted land, constructed forest roads, thinned my plantation and clearfelled a small area that was windblown during the storm in 2014. They are going to complete the reforestation of this area in Autumn 2015. Tadhg is always contactable and easy to work with. It is good to have one company that can do everything I need to do with my forestry

Billy Clancy

I am very willing to give this testimonial and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to say how pleased I am with the work of Forestry Services Ltd. Virtually all of my dealings have been with Paddy Bruton since meeting the company back in ’08. I have found that Paddy is a highly qualified man in this specialised field and he carries out his work in a most professional and informed manner. It has been a complete pleasure to deal with him and I rely on him completely for advice and service on my forestry.
Above all I trust Paddy and it is reassuring to be content that, like myself, he is in this business for the long haul.
Maybe I don’t say it much to you but, thank you Paddy.

Peter Shortt

I planted some land in 1994. When I ran into some difficulties with the Department, I contacted Forestry Services Ltd even though they had not been involved in the initial planting. They helped me out and were a great help in getting the issues resolved. I now have my plantation of hardwoods thinned and all my payments are up to date. They charged for their time, but they were worth the money

Jack Ronan

As a part time farmer, I had little interest in forestry until I looked into the forestry scheme about 15 years ago. While hesitant at first, I planted the poorer land by engaging Forestry Services Ltd to secure the necessary approvals, and then to plant the lands and maintain the plantation for the first 4 years, which they completed for the grants available. The plantation is growing well, I have received my forest premium every year and am now planning the construction of forest roads and thinning the plantation. I am happy I made the correct decision and my only regret is that I haven’t got more forestry

Jimmy Kells

As a dairy farmer, I had little interest in forestry until I purchased land with milk quota in the mid-1990s. Both the milk quota and the forestry have proven good investments. I engaged Forestry Services Ltd to secure the necessary felling licences, construct forest roads and thin the plantations in 2008. The plantations have been second thinned and I am happy with the work that was done and the returns I received from the thinning. I am looking forward to the clearfell and my only regret is that I haven’t got more forestry

Tadhg O’Meara