asked the Minister for Energy if he will quantify the number of mature trees that have died from Dutch elm disease in recent years; the plans, if any, he has to replace these trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Mature Trees.
35.
Precise quantification of the number of trees that have been killed by Dutch elm disease has not been undertaken as surveys have revealed that the disease is widespread and of epidemic proportions and, therefore, most mature elm trees have been affected by it. In response to Government policy my Department's programme of increased planting levels of broadleaf species in State and private forests will help to rebuild the national broadleaf tree population and offset the loss of trees from Dutch elm disease.