Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has today (April 15) announced that applications are now open for the 2026 Reconstitution Scheme for Windblown Forests. 

The scheme provides a total package of €55 million of supports to forest owners affected by storms Darragh and Éowyn.

A detailed circular outlining the application process, mapping requirements and eligibility criteria has issued to the sector and is available on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) website.

Conditions

The level of financial support provided under this scheme depends on whether the forest was insured for the costs of reconstitution or uninsured for the costs of reconstitution at the time of storms Darragh and Éowyn. 

To avail of the Reconstitution Windblow Scheme 2026, a forest owner must engage a registered forester to apply for the scheme using the DAFM online system iNET.

Applicants to the scheme will need to hold a valid felling licence. The conditions of the felling licence will continue to apply.

The grant will be paid in two instalments: 75% of the grant in the year of replanting and the remaining 25% after four years.

The rates are outlined as follows:

Marking the opening of the scheme, Minister Heydon said: “I would firstly like to take this opportunity to acknowledge former Minister of State, Michael Healy-Rae, who has been a valued colleague and brought great energy to his role in forestry.

“Last year, we announced a total package of €55 million to help all those registered forest owners who have been affected by the terrible storms of 2025."

The minister added that the scheme is "a critical support" for the restoration of damaged forests.

"I would encourage all affected private forest owners to contact their registered forester and get their application in as soon as possible.”

‘Straightforward and accessible’

Minister Heydon said: “We’ve made every effort to keep the application process as straightforward and accessible as possible, with clear guidance and supporting material available to assist registered foresters.

“This will help ensure applications can be prepared and submitted with clarity and confidence.”

Supporting materials, including demonstration videos on the application and mapping process, have been made available to assist registered foresters in preparing and submitting applications. These will be supplemented by additional training.

Minister Heydon said: “This scheme is an important support for forest owners in restoring productive forests following storm damage.

"It ensures that affected areas can be replanted in a timely manner, supporting the long-term sustainability of the sector.” 

Terms and conditions of the Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow 2026 along with FAQs are available at the Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow 2026 website.