Local TD Claire Kerrane has raised concerns around the possibility of further delays to adequate supports for farmers and landowners affected by ash dieback – an ash tree disease caused by fungi.
The Roscommon-Galway TD raised concerns following the announcement of a review of the current supports available.
Minister Pippa Hackett announced the establishment of an independent group to review her Department’s ash dieback support scheme.
The group will review supports available to landowners with affected ash plantations and will make recommendations on these supports to the Minister by September 15.
Deputy Kerrane said that while it is positive that Minister Hackett has committed to reviewing existing supports to address ash dieback, she said it was “disappointing” that she will only review the report and recommendations from September.
“The Minister’s announcement raises concerns that affected farmers and landowners will have to wait even longer for adequate supports to address this longstanding issue,” said the Sinn Féin TD.
“We don’t need a review to tell us the issues outstanding in the current scheme and where it is falling short. Any forester can tell you what the gaps are and more importantly, what is needed.”
Deputy Kerrane said that it is clear from engagement with farmers, forestry owners and representative organisations, that the existing ash dieback support scheme does not go far enough to address the extent of the issue.
She said there are also issues with roadside ash dieback which is “a real safety issue” and called for the Minister to address this.
