ICSA Rural Development chair Edmond Phelan has said that before Storm Éowyn, Ireland’s forestry sector was already struggling, and if the current windblown crisis is not handled correctly, it could spell disaster. "If the timber industry is allowed to slash the price paid to growers, the show is over. We need a NAMA-style rescue plan, a structured intervention to stabilise the market and ensure the long-term viability of Irish forestry," he said.

Mr Phelan said that the government’s response to this crisis will determine whether any new landowners consider planting trees in the future. "Approximately 50% of the windblown areas are privately owned forests - mainly farmers and landowners, many of whom were first-time planters with no experience of selling timber. They put their faith in forestry, only to see their investment flattened and, in some cases, rendered worthless. How this is dealt with will decide whether forestry remains viable in Ireland."

 "The most urgent priority is a reconstitution grant to cover the cost of replanting. However, even more immediate is the need to stabilise timber prices. Estimates suggest that around 24,000 hectares of forestry have been damaged, but that’s not the full picture. Clearing windblown areas requires additional ‘squaring off,’ adding another 20% to the total, meaning the real area affected could be closer to 30,000 hectares."

 Mr Phelan said the scale of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn is unprecedented. "In 2014, Storm Darwin brought down 8,320 hectares of forest, resulting in two million cubic metres of windblown timber. In contrast, Storm Éowyn has likely brought down between 10 and 12 million cubic metres - the equivalent of three to four times Ireland’s annual timber harvest of 3.5 million cubic metres. If the government allows the industry to dictate prices without intervention, we are facing an unprecedented collapse in timber values.”

 Mr Phelan said that the time for government action is now. "We need a reconstitution grant, and consideration must also be given to topping that up with a Climate Action Performance Payment in line with the Ash Dieback scheme. But beyond that, we need a structured intervention in the form of a NAMA-style body to stabilise the timber market and prevent growers from being exploited."

 "This is not just about the livelihoods of hundreds of farmers. If this crisis is not addressed swiftly and effectively, Ireland’s entire forestry programme will collapse - along with our ability to meet climate targets. The government's response will determine the future of forestry in Ireland and whether any new landowners will be willing to take the risk of planting trees."