Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Given all we know about this issue, we need to get out in front of it. We know the prevalence of ash dieback and its inevitable impact on roadside trees. A targeted scheme would also serve as a proactive measure to encourage landowners to engage in inspections and address risks before they become dangerous. There are larger issues in terms of the approach to the situation. Even the improvements to the interim reconstitution scheme for ash dieback do not cover the full costs associated with clearing and replanting affected sites and the financial loss incurred by farmers or compensate for the loss of timber earnings.

In her response to a previous question from Deputy Kerrane, the Minister of State spoke about exemptions from licensing for the felling of impacted trees. She is saying an exemption from the requirement to get a licence to fell trees, in the case of those infected by ash dieback, could cause environmental damage. If there is a danger in respect of a tree at risk from this disease and there is a delay in the licensing of felling, how much has the Department explored this situation? Will the licensing system be sped up for a situation like this? What research has been done regarding the potential need in this context?

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