It is hugely encouraging to see the release and details of the Reconstitution of windblow scheme by Minister Healy Rae and the DAFM.

Many private forest owners have been impacted not only by the initial storm damage, but by the subsequent long delays in getting timber harvested.  The support scheme recently issued and with the details confirmed in February 2026, aims to rebuild confidence in existing forest owners as it provides financial assistance to replant their damaged forests. The Reconstitution scheme is the most recent support scheme issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and was overseen by Minister Michael Healy Rae who has responsibility for forestry. Minister Martin Heydon has overall jurisdiction for the department.

Within the document the terms of payment per impacted forest and structure of the grant for replanting is laid out. Your professional forester at Green Belt will help you in the application for the grant payments. We will map the areas impacted, acquire the financial support for the replanting works appropriate to the area damaged by the storms, and then carry out the replanting works.

Rates of payment are based on replanting species and also the level of area impacted. The specifics are laid out in the attached document released by DAFM but here is one example as prescribed by DAFM:

In this scenario, The full area is eligible for RSW payment.  When digitising the application area using iNET, the entire forest block (windblown area and standing trees area) should be digitised and will be considered eligible under the RSW for reconstitution payments.

Green Belt has a huge legacy of successful forestry establishment and have replanted more than 10,000 hectares in the last 5 years post timber harvesting. 

While the initial impact of the storm was devastating, this scheme, as well as the timber revenue generated from the recovery harvest, will go some way to ease the concerns of those considering forestry. It remains an excellent use of land and for many, a strong and resilient element of their investment portfolio.

We look forward to working closely with you on your forestry restoration project.

Details of the scheme are FOUND HERE