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Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021

Thursday, 15 July 2021

Questions (69)

Martin Browne

Question:

69. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the effectiveness of the reconstitution and underplanting scheme; the feedback received from foresters on the effectiveness of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38019/21]

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Written answers

Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the focus of the Department’s approach to the disease, and the support provided to ash plantation owners, has evolved as our understanding of the nature and scale of the disease has changed.

In March 2013, the Department introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore plantations established under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from or which were associated with plants affected by the disease. Mandatory sanitation felling was a component of this approach in the Department’s attempt to eradicate the disease and support ash plantation owners.

Over time, it became increasingly evident from experience gained, supported by scientific advice that eradication of Ash Dieback Disease was not feasible. The Reconstitution and Under-planting Scheme was developed in order to provide the forest owner with a broader range of silvicultural and management options in support of the ash dieback impacted plantation but without the requirement for mandatory sanitary action.

The scheme opened for applications in June 2020 and to date there have been over 330 applications with 83 approved to date, which demonstrates a healthy interest in the Scheme.

In terms of additional actions on ash die back disease, the Department continues to support research and continues to survey for the disease.

The future viability of ash is under very serious threat. Experience of ash dieback disease observed in most European countries, is that it results in large scale tree mortality and threatens the existence of the ash trees all over the continent. The disease is now widespread in Ireland. However, approximately 1% - 3% of a given population of ash will be naturally tolerant to the disease and this tolerance is heritable. Because of this, through research and development efforts here in Ireland and internationally, we are establishing populations of tolerant material and it will be available over the medium and long term.

Part of the 2020 survey for ash dieback disease included a systematic survey of National Forest Inventory points across the country leading to further findings. By the end of 2020, there had been findings in ash in over 660 locations in various settings – forests, nurseries and garden centres, on farm planting, roadside planting, hedgerows and private gardens in all 26 counties.

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