Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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9. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an ash plantation is dead due to the ash dieback disease, if such a plantation requires a tree felling licence; the number of applications received and approved under the ash dieback RUS scheme since its launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51250/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Department has had a reconstitution scheme for Ash Dieback available since 2013.  The existing scheme, the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme for  Ash Dieback was announced on the 10th June 2020 and applications could be submitted from the 22nd June 2020. 

The objectives of the scheme are to encourage the active management of ash plantations, to promote the vigorous growth of ash through thinning and, where appropriate in young plantations and in cases of high disease infection, to support the removal of the affected ash crop and replacement with alternative species. 

The Scheme also aims to build resilience and diversity into plantations and possibly identify tolerant or resistant individuals.  The scheme has been extended to take in all plantations regardless of age, where the level of disease present satisfies the criteria. A tree felling licence is not required as part of an application for the Scheme, however, the application will undergo Appropriate Assessment Screening.

To date, the Department has received 410 applications for 1,608 hectares  and has decided on 128 of those for 434 hectares. Of the outstanding applications, while all have not yet been assessed we have identified that  approximately 100 are currently delayed due to the requirement for planning permission for the replacement of Broadleaf High Forest, in this case Ash, with conifer species.

I know this poses difficulties for landowners wishing to replace their diseased ash plantation and my officials have been in contact  with their counterparts in Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the issue.

 We are exploring potential alternatives to the current system that requires both planning permission and a felling licence or exemption from a felling licence. Along with Minister of Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, we are committed to resolving this situation and my Department will update in due course on developments.