Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023

Tuesday, 23 May 2023

Questions (589)

Colm Burke

Question:

589. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration would be given to the establishment of a targeted financial support scheme to safely manage the removal of infected roadside ash trees, to be administered by local authorities, that would assist landowners and farmers in coordinating the safe removal of the trees through financial grants to support them in hiring relevant professionals to safely fell these trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24285/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The care and management of trees adjacent to roads is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land the roadside trees are growing. It is advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this.

My Department does not offer funding for the removal of roadside trees, but has recently published guidance on the subject of roadside trees (“A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”) and this can be accessed at the Department website.

Question No. 590 answered with Question No. 583.