Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach will be aware that, because of ash dieback, a significant number of ash trees have to be felled this year in the interest of public safety. Due to the significant number of trees to be felled, there is a backlog and farmers are finding it more difficult to access contractors to do this by 1 March in the hedge-cutting season. Is any consideration being given to extending the hedge-cutting season, even by a number of weeks, to facilitate farmers in carrying out this much-needed work? As we know, many of these trees are on the side of the road, and from a public health and safety perspective, it is important the Government would consider giving flexibility to farmers to carry out this work.

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