Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
932. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that ash plantations infected by ash dieback are now starting to rot and present a serious health and safety issue in their removal. [17847/22]
View answerThe damage caused by ash dieback disease is rapidly increasing across the full natural range of ash in Europe and here in Ireland. The disease is likely in the coming years to have a catastrophic impact on ash wherever it occurs in the Irish landscape, including in hedgerows and in the wider natural environment. Forestry contractors are well aware of the risks in felling trees and the precautions required and their health and safety responsibilities when working or managing others who work in forests.
There will be additionally inevitable health and safety aspects associated with diseased trees, especially on roadways. The Department has last year issued 'A Guide for landowners to managing Roadside Trees'.
This excellent publication produced by the Department with the Tree Council of Ireland outlines specific issues related to health and safety in tree work and gives practical guidance to those working with chainsaws taking out hazardous trees.
The HSA also provided an information note on this subject, 'Chainsaw Safety Training Advice Information Sheet (2015).
