More than 80% of the harvesting capacity for forestry in the country is now working in areas impacted by storm damage, the Windblow Taskforce has heard.

The taskforce, which met yesterday (Wednesday, June 18), heard that there have been dozens of harvesting machines brought into the country to assist with work to clear timber.

The meeting also heard of a significant rise in sawmilling capacity and output, which is facilitating the processing of the increased sawlog supply coming into Irish sawmills.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) with responsibility for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae welcomed the progress made in the mobilisation of windblown material in forests affected by Storm Éowyn.

“I really want to thank the members of the Taskforce for their proactive and positive engagement since Storm Éowyn.

"It is encouraging to see windblown material moving to both well-established local markets and via newly established trade routes to markets outside Ireland," he said.

The minister added that landowners "should not rush in and take the first offer they get for their timber".

"Forest owners with windblow may well have a valuable crop on the ground. Before making any sale, I would urge forest owners to seek professional advice from a registered forester or local Teagasc forestry adviser.

"Forest owners affected by windblow should ensure that they have a good contract and a good timber security system in place," he said.