Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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226. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 567 of 18 September 2024, to outline the methodology used in assessing financing as being sufficient and appropriate to cover the different needs of different forests and woodlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38245/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 includes a 100% increase in the site clearance grant from €1,000 to €2,000 per hectare and considerably enhanced planting grants under seven forest types for the planting of other species, as well as an innovative top up premium for those ash sites still due premiums under the original afforestation scheme.

In determining the site clearance rate, my Department was informed by economic and financial analysis including insights gained from daily engagement with cost-based applications for grant payment for all forestry operations. My Department also engaged with foresters and contractors and discussions around costs incurred and experiences of ash removal were also reflected in the higher payment rate of €2,000 per hectare.

A Task Force has recently been established with the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the Ash Dieback Action Plan. This Task Force comprises officials from my Department and stakeholders including ash forest owners. The Task Force has met twice, discussing each of the recommendations and associated actions and responses. The site clearance grant payment rate has been discussed at both meetings and my Department have informed members that we welcome their feedback on the current costs of ash removal.