Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020

Tuesday, 10 November 2020

Ceisteanna (813)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

813. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if priority will be given to tree felling applications in forests in which ash dieback has been identified as a problem and trees have to be felled in view of the fact delays in felling these trees will result in the spread of the disease and increase the risk to a tree species which is at the heart of culture and heritage here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34914/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As per the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) document, which is available on my Department’s website, a tree felling licence is not required for this Scheme (Section 3.4.1(d)). This exemption is under Section 19 (1)(c) of the Forestry Act, 2014 – exempted trees – and is given to “control or prevent the spread of fires or a pest or disease”. This exemption is to include any host ash trees and other incidental trees. All applications for the Scheme are subject to screening for Appropriate Assessment.

Where applicants qualify and intend to address Ash Dieback by means of the Woodland Improvement Scheme (including Continuous Cover Forestry), a felling licence will be required.