Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
130. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will include an advisory circular with all Ash dieback reconstitution scheme approvals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51286/23]
View answerThe scheme document for the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme refers to adherence to Good Practice and Sustainable Forest Management, the principles of sustainable forest management is mandatory and applies across all operations of the Scheme. In view of this we do not see the need to issue an advisory circular with Scheme approvals.
Furthermore, as with any other health and safety matter, site-specific issues together with any measures, including any risk assessments required, are in the first instance the responsibility of the individual landowner. The Ash Dieback reconstitution scheme requires a landowner to engage the services of a professional Registered Forester to oversee their application. Forestry contractors are also 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. The HSA has also provided comprehensive guidance and information notes on this subject, including the following: Chainsaw Felling of Large Trees - IFSG 307 (2018); Mechanical Harvesting - IFSG 603 (2018); Extraction by Forwarder - IFSG 503 (2018); Cross Cutting and Manual Stacking - IFSG 304 (2018); Felling and Manual Takedown - IFSG 302 (2018); Chainsaw Safety Training Advice Information Sheet (2015); and Information on the Health and Safety responsibilities of Forest Land Owners and Managers who intend to fell their trees (2014).
Health and Safety are of paramount importance in Forestry operations, details of the above guidance can be found here: http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Agriculture_Forestry/Forestry/.
In addition, my Department, last year, published guidance on the subject of roadside trees - “A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”. This publication, which can be accessed on my Departments website, was produced in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland and outlines specific issues related to health and safety in tree work and gives practical guidance to those working with chainsaws taking out hazardous trees.
