Storm Éowyn inflicts €60 million damage on Coillte forests

Storm Éowyn caused unprecedented damage to Ireland's forestry sector in January 2025, with Coillte, the State-owned commercial forestry operator, estimating losses in excess of €60 million to its estate alone. The storm resulted in windblow damage to over 26,000 hectares of Irish forests, including 14,500 hectares managed by Coillte—more than twice the company’s typical annual harvest area. Coillte’s financial performance for 2024 reflected these challenges, with profits and revenue falling significantly due to both the storm's impact and ongoing market pressures such as inflation and reduced demand. Despite the setback, Coillte has made progress in its windblow response and aims to complete the majority of the clean-up by the end of 2026, while also advancing its long-term forestry and biodiversity goals. The company’s leadership described the level of damage as 'unprecedented,' highlighting the extensive effects on productive forests, biodiversity areas, and recreational facilities across its estate. The full financial impact is still being evaluated, but the storm marks a particularly difficult period for the organization.