Storm-hit forest owners left exposed by flawed insurance system
Hundreds of acres of bog and forestry charred by the worst Roscommon wildfire in living memory have deeply scarred a landscape that is rich in flora and fauna.
A full and open debate on forestry insurance has been sought following the devastation caused to plantations by storms and fires in recent months.
Senator Gareth Scahill (FG), who made the call, said the true meaning and scope of the forestry insurance policies needs to be examined.
The gap between re-establishment cover and the value of the crop, and a mechanism to ensure fair and adequate compensation for the loss of the timber value, also requires debate.
He said recent events, particularly in West Roscommon and in Longford and Achill, have laid bare the critical inadequacies of the insurance landscape.
“We often hear about re-establishment costs being covered, but I fear the term is often misunderstood and, frankly, it falls short of what our forestry owners truly need and deserve.
“Let us be clear that the re-establishment cost primarily covers the cost of clearing debris and re-planting the trees. It helps farmers to get back their land to a basic starting point, and this is very important.
“But what it fundamentally fails to cover is the value of the crop which increases every year until it is harvested,” he said.
Leader of the House, Senator Sean Kyne, said he would seek an update from minister of state Michael Healy-Rae. There would also have to be engagement with minister of state Robert Troy and others.
“I do not have an answer on how that might go because there may be a significant rise in premiums if that were to happen. That is obviously the way insurance runs,” he said.
The issue was also raised in the Dáil by Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice, who said a huge amount of forestry was recently burned in Roscommon and Galway.
He noted that minister Healy-Rae had talked about a reconstitution grant for windblown timber.
“A great many people had timber burned over the last few weeks. All you can do is cut it down now because it is smothered after the fires,” he said.
Deputy Fitzmaurice urged the Government to help those people when it is doing the reconstitution grants. It should consider including them along with those who have windblown timber. It would be a small token of help for these people who have lost everything.
Whatever about the people with windblown timber, at least they can try and cut it now and try to get it to sawmills, but what has been burned is destroyed, he said.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was sure agriculture minister Martin Heydon and minister of state Michael Healy-Rae will reflect on the constructive suggestions Deputy Fitzmaurice had made.
Minister Healy-Rae has meanwhile welcomed “the progress made by the Forestry Sector in the mobilisation of windblown material in forests affected by Storm Éowyn.”
Dozens of harvesting machines were brought into the country. More than 80% of the harvesting capacity is now working in windblown areas. A significant rise in sawmilling capacity and output had also been reported.
Minister Healy-Rae said landowners should not rush in and take the first offer they get for their timber. Those 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.
