Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Deputies may be aware that the first confirmed finding of Ash Dieback Disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineaus) in Ireland was made on 12th October 2012 at a forestry plantation site which had been planted in 2009 with trees imported from continental Europe.

In March 2013, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore forests planted under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from, or which were associated with plants affected by disease.

Following a Review of the National Response to Ash Dieback Disease arising from scientific advice and evidence that eradication of ash dieback disease is no longer feasible the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) was launched in June 2020. The purpose of the RUS scheme was to clear all ash trees and replant with other species. Grants for site clearance and replanting to cover the costs associated with these operations were provided and premiums continued to be paid where the contracts were still in premium. The total number of applications received under RUS in 2022 was 489 applications representing an area of 1,696 hectares. Technical approvals were issued for 230 applications representing an area of 743 hectares. A total of €875,477 was paid in grant aid under the scheme in 2022. Those with outstanding applications will have the opportunity to opt into into the new Scheme proposed under the new Forestry Programme, subject to State Aid approval.

In March, an Interim Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback via general de minimis was introduced which contains a doubling of site clearance rates, increased grant rates and an improved premium regime. This allowed those who have valid existing approvals where work has not commenced to opt into the Scheme which includes the following enhanced features:

• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate from €1,000 to €2,000.
• Enhanced grant rates as per draft Forestry programme 2023-2027
• Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years.
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.

To date 18 applications representing 74 hectares have been approved under this interim scheme.

A total of €9.2 million has been expended to date on schemes to deal with ash dieback by my Department with interventions made on 2338 hectares.