Reconstitution Scheme for Windblown Forests opens for applications
- Published on: 15 April 2026
- Last updated on: 15 April 2026
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has today announced that applications for the 2026 Reconstitution Scheme for Windblown Forests - which provides a total package of €55 million of supports to forest owners affected by storms Darragh and Éowyn - may now be made on the Department’s online iNET system.
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 TD, who has been a valued colleague and brought great energy to his role in forestry.”
“I am delighted to announce that my Department is now able to accept applications for this Reconstitution Scheme for Windblown Forests. 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, and this is a critical support for the restoration of damaged forests, and I would encourage all affected private forest owners to contact their registered forester and get their application in as soon as possible.”
Applications for the Reconstitution Scheme must be submitted by a registered forester on behalf of the forest owner through the Department’s iNET system. A detailed circular outlining the application process, mapping requirements and eligibility criteria has issued to the sector and is available on the Department’s website.
Minister Heydon continued:
“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 also been made available to assist registered foresters in preparing and submitting applications. These will be supplemented by additional training.
Minister Heydon concluded:
“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.”
Further information on the scheme is available at Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow 2026.
Notes for Editors
Note that 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 Department’s online system iNET.
Terms and conditions of the Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow 2026 along with FAQs are available at the following link: Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow 2026.
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 below.
|
Replanting species |
Grant per ha |
|
Native Forests |
€6,744 |
|
Broadleaf, mainly oak and beech |
€6,744 |
|
Diverse Broadleaf |
€4,314 |
|
Continuous Cover Forestry |
€5,421 |
|
Mixed high forests: Diverse Conifer |
€4,452 |
|
€3,858 |
Applicants to the scheme will need to hold a valid felling licence. The conditions of the felling licence will continue to apply.