More options for Ash Dieback victims

A REVIEW of the national response to Ash Dieback promises to offer more options for farmers whose forests have been affected by the disease.

Minister of State for Forestry Andrew Doyle launched the review of the Reconstitution Ash Dieback scheme in light of new scientific evidence received from Department and Teagasc officials which highlighted the prevalence of the disease in the country.

He added that since the eradication of the disease, also known as Chalara, was “no longer considered feasible”, that the Department would no longer be ending premium payments to farmers who wish to continue cultivating their ash plantation where the prevalence of the disease is low.

“It will mean more options if farmers’ forests are affected with the disease and we will continue to inform and support them if they have ash dieback,” he said.

This follows Minister Doyle’s recent announcement of the latest payment of annual tax-free forestry premiums for 2018 which amounted to €17.33m.