16 April 2025
Post-storm marketing centres at Talking Timber
As a result of Storm Éowyn’s devastating impact, Teagasc’s flagship timber marketing event ‘Talking Timber’ switched focus to the marketing of post-storm conifer timber.
Organised by Teagasc in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), along with Forest Industries Ireland, the event offered a great opportunity for forest owners to hear about current timber markets in the context of recent storms, view harvested logs and timber products, and also to network with many timber buyers and contractors.
Attracting a crowd of over 150 forest owners, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD encouraged forest owners to engage with the sector to arrange the harvesting of forests damaged by storms, when addressing the event yesterday, April 15, in Co. Sligo.
Pictured at Talking Timber are: James Keane, Teagasc Regional Manager Sligo/ Leitrim/ Donegal; Tom Houlihan, Acting Head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department; John Spink, Head of the Teagasc Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme; Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director; Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) with special responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD; Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills; and Frances McHugh, Forestry Development Officer, Teagasc
Minister Healy-Rae also broached the topic of felling licences, commenting: “As felling licence applications come in, they will be dealt with promptly; the average turnaround time is four months.”
The Minister was very positive regarding the support of forest owners for the reconstitution of storm damaged forests and future aid to certify private forests.
Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara opened the event and noted: “With over 20 trade stands representing different sectors of the forest industry, this annual event in the Teagasc Forestry calendar provides a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing and networking with the forestry sector across the country”.
“Our message is that Teagasc forestry staff are available and will continue to support forest owners and the sector in navigating through the current challenges posed by recent weather events.”
During the discussions at the outdoor log and timber products display, John Ryan, Murray’s Timber Group (representing Forest Industries Ireland), stressed the need for forest owners to understand the different dimensions, quality and value of different log products.
Speakers at the indoor conference included Christian Fitzgerald, Teagasc who outlined the importance of owners understanding the different methods of how timber is sold and how important it is for forest owners to be involved at every step.
Local forest owner, Peter Wilson shared his experience of dealing with wind damage, with forestry contractor, Peter Sullivan explaining the extra challenges associated with harvesting in storm affected forests.
Representing Bord Na Mona, Joseph Spollen described the potential for using timber for Biomass. Seppi Hona, DAFM, also outlined the supports for forest owners and the steps involved in preparing for a forest harvest.
Feedback from the event was very positive, with many attendees appreciating the opportunity to raise relevant issues and to meet face-to-face with timber buyers, Teagasc and DAFM staff at this key event.
For more information, visit the Teagasc Forestry webpage here.