Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
584. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any compensation scheme, replanting scheme or emergency support is in place for cases in which a larch plantation has become diseased; if so, the details of such assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38578/22]
View answerThe causal agent for the dieback and death of Japanese larch is an organism named Phytophthora ramorum which was first detected on Japanese larch in Ireland in 2010. Since then my Department has inter alia conducted annual surveys for its presence in the private and public forest estate and is doing so again this year. A component of the annual survey is informed by reports from owners which Inspectors in my Department follow up directly.
Consideration is being given in my Department for the inclusion of a support scheme for forest owners of Japanese larch impacted by Phytophthora ramorum , this will be considered for inclusion as part of any Reconstitution measure in the new Forestry Programme 2023 to 2027.
