Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am cognisant that as ash dieback disease progresses nationally and within individual ash plantations, the potential health and safety risks associated with forest plantations, roadside and parkland ash trees will become an issue of increasing importance for landowners, workers and visitors.

My colleague, Minister of State Hackett, announced in June that she had tasked an independent group to review existing Department supports for Ash Dieback. The group had a remit to review the existing and previous supports available to landowners with ash plantations funded under the National Forestry Programme and to engage with relevant stakeholders to seek their views on the current supports for ash forest owners.

The group has just presented the Minister of State with its report, which she is now considering in detail. She has met with the group to discuss their recommendations and intends to publish their report shortly. Once due consideration has been given to the report stakeholders will be informed of the actions that will be taken.

There is currently a reconstitution scheme for ash dieback open for applications under the new Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027. This scheme includes the following enhanced features:

• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000;

• Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new 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.

When the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 opened in July it was noted that if a forest owner made an application they would not be disadvantaged if any changes are made as a result of the independent review process.

The care and management of trees in rural gardens including those adjacent to roads is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land the trees are growing. It is advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine does not offer funding for the removal of roadside trees or for private homeowners living in the countryside with ash trees in their rural gardens. The Department has, however published guidance on the subject of roadside trees (“A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”) and this can be accessed at the Department website.