Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
1042. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will sanction a task force to table a revitalisation programme for ash die back plantations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11148/21]
View answerThe effects of Ash Dieback have been devastating on ash plantations throughout the country and I am well aware of its impact on landowners.
When the disease first presented, it was thought that eradication was an option. My Department introduced an exchequer-funded reconstitution in 2013 to restore affected forests and paid out some €7 million to forest owners.
While that scheme was a reasonable response at the time, it became evident that given the progression and reach of the disease and based on the scientific knowledge available, a review of the scheme was needed. The original aims of the scheme i.e. eradication of the disease from Ireland, were no longer achievable, as the disease is now considered endemic here. Given that the scientific outlook had changed, a new approach was clearly needed.
A review process was undertaken to decide on the best approach going forward. This included stakeholder and public consultation and detailed field consideration of damage level evaluation, together with an examination of a broader range of silvicultural and management options available to forest owners. Advice from Teagasc and international experts was also received. Current support schemes were examined to ensure their continued relevance and that they represent value for money and to ensure that the forest owner is provided with a broader range of silvicultural and management measures. On foot of the review, a new Ash Dieback scheme known as the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme was launched in June 2020.
This Scheme aims to encourage the active management of ash plantations in the context of the control and spread of ash dieback disease. It categorises plantations into three groups based on the plantation age and tree size. Different support options are available, depending on the category into which the ash plantation may fall. It also aims to promote the vigorous growth of ash through thinning to realise as much of the potential value of the crop as possible.
Since its launch in June, over 268 applications have been submitted. We have begun to issue approvals, and this will continue as applications are assessed. There are no plans to review the Scheme at this time.
My Department is also actively supporting a number of research projects into the control and management of Ash Dieback disease, in particular projects with a key long-term focus of developing an ash tree breeding programme to identify trees that show strong tolerance to the disease and the genetic basis for tolerance. Progress on this will help to determine the future of ash planting in Ireland and I look forward to engaging with all stakeholders when we have more information.
