Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
55. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if growers of ash forestry will be consulted the changes or amendments that are being introduced through the ash dieback scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38144/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the focus of the Department’s approach to the disease, and the support provided to ash plantation owners, has evolved as our understanding of the nature and scale of the disease has changed.
In March 2013, the Department introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore plantations established under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from or which were associated with plants affected by the disease. Mandatory sanitation felling was a component of this approach in the Department’s attempt to eradicate the disease and support ash plantation owners.
A review of the national policy on ash dieback disease which involved stakeholder consultation was initiated in 2018 as it was increasingly evident from experience and the latest scientific advice that eradication of Ash Dieback Disease was no longer feasible. The focus of the review was on the policy approach and associated support schemes to evaluate the continued relevance of the national response, and to ensure that the forest owner is provided with a broader range of silvicultural and management options. Following the completion of the review, the Department introduced the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) in July 2020.
The scheme opened for applications in June 2020 and to date there have been over 330 applications with 83 approved to date, which demonstrates a healthy interest in the Scheme.
The Department will continue to keep ash dieback under close review but our focus is very much in implementataion of the current scheme and engaging with the applicants to that scheme.
