Storm Eowyn Recovery: Ann Gleeson Hanrahan Warns Against Panic and Imported Machinery

Managing Director Ann Gleeson Hanrahan has urged the government “not to panic” as recovery efforts continue in the wake of Storm Eowyn. Speaking on Radio Kerry's Agri Time podcast, Gleeson Hanrahan raised serious concerns about proposed plans to bring in foreign forestry machinery, warning of the threat posed by bark beetles to Ireland’s timber reserves.

This bark beetle has decimated crops across Europe,” she said. “Machinery coming from bark beetle-infested areas poses a massive risk to our timber.”

The warning comes as the import of harvesters and forwarders from mainland Europe has already commenced. FCI believes a machine import licence and inspection process is put in place for used machines to ensure that the highest levels of phytosanitary hygiene protocols are put in place to protect the remainder of our forest resources.  

Gleeson Hanrahan drew a stark comparison to past agricultural crises: “The risk is equivalent to the impact of foot and mouth disease on a cattle herd. Have we not learned anything from the ash dieback? Now we’re prepared to expose the prevailing Irish forest stocks to a devastating threat.”

Her remarks underscore growing concerns within the sector about biosecurity and the long-term sustainability of Ireland’s forest industry