Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
583. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the reconstitution and underplanting scheme (ash dieback) is fit for purpose; if he will conduct a review of the operation and the terms of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24203/23]
View answer590. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration would be given to proposals (details supplied) in respect of the interim reconstitution and underplanting scheme (ash dieback); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24286/23]
View answer596. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on adjusting ash dieback schemes to ensure that all infected ash dieback plantations are eligible for a 100% reconstitution grant, that covers all costs associated with clearing the site and replanting with a forest type that meets their management objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24342/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 583, 590 and 596 together.
The Deputy may be aware that the first confirmed finding of Ash Dieback Disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineaus) in Ireland was made on 12th October 2012 at a forestry plantation site which had been planted in 2009 with trees imported from continental Europe.
In March 2013, the Department introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore forests planted under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from, or which were associated with plants affected by disease.
Following a Review of the National Response to Ash Dieback Disease arising from scientific advice and evidence that eradication of ash dieback disease is no longer feasible the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) was launched in June 2020.
The purpose of the RUS scheme was to clear all ash trees and replant with other species. Grants for site clearance and replanting to cover the costs associated with these operations were provided and premiums continued to be paid where the contracts were still in premium.
A total of €9.2 million has been expended to date on both schemes.
Last month, an Interim Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback via general de minimis was launched which contains a doubling of site clearance rates, increased grant rates and an improved premium regime. The interim scheme includes the following enhanced features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate from €1,000 to €2,000.
• Enhanced grant rates as per draft Forestry programme 2023-2027
• Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years.
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
A similar scheme for the reconstitution of ash dieback will be launched as part of the new forestry programme.
State Aid Guidelines provide for aid for the restoration of damage to forests caused by a variety of events including damage from disease and pests. State Aid rules are explicit that this aid is for restoration and does not facilitate compensation for loss, including income.
My Department continues to review the operation of the ash dieback scheme, having regard to its effectiveness, the status of the plantations, state aid regulations and other issues having regard to the age and stage of the rotation of the almost 16,000 hectares of ash that were grant aided between 1990 and 2013.
The Forestry Act, 2014 provides for an exemption from obtaining a tree felling licence in situations where the tree felling is carried out to control or to prevent the spread of disease. While applicants who apply for the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) are, therefore, not required to apply separately for a felling licence the area must remain as a forest under the terms of RUS.
