Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies. I am open to correction on this but I think species like mountain ash do not seem to be as impacted but certainly it has impacted those plantations and also our native species, which have been here for centuries. It is definitely having an impact but some trees are showing signs of more resilience to it. Teagasc is very active in research in this space. It is trying to identify existing species here that are resilient to it or developing a new species. The ash tree is synonymous with Ireland. It is a native tree and it is important that we do whatever we can to support it into the future. It is heartbreaking to see the decimation across the countryside now. If there was some hope that we would eventually have a new, resilient species, that would be brilliant. I take on board the comments regarding the wider impacts and the role of local authorities, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Irish Rail in this regard. A number of State agencies will have a role to play in a cross-government approach to this issue.

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