Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has stated that there will be no compensation for landowners affected by ash dieback in forestry. The first confirmed case of ash dieback disease (hymenoscyphus fraxineaus) was discovered in Ireland in 2012 at a forestry plantation site. The trees had been imported from continental Europe and planted in 2009. Due to scientific advice and evidence indicating that eradication of ash dieback disease is no longer feasible, the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme RUS (ash dieback) was launched in June 2020. However, funding through this scheme is aimed at allowing forestry owners to clear and replant their forestry ground with a different species and does not provide any compensation for income loss.
In response to a parliamentary question (PQ) from independent Offaly TD, Carol Nolan, Minister McConalogue said that the purpose of the RUS scheme was to clear all ash trees and replant with other species. He stated that there were grants for site clearance and replanting to cover the costs associated with these operations. Premiums continued to be paid where the contracts were still in premium. However, State Aid rules prevent compensation being paid to landowners for loss of income as a result of the forestry disease. The minister said, “State Aid guidelines provide for aid for the restoration of damage to forests caused by a variety of events including damage from disease and pests. State Aid rules are explicit that this aid is for restoration and does not facilitate compensation for loss, including income. My department continues to review the operation of the ash dieback scheme, having regard to its effectiveness, the status of the plantations, state aid regulations and other issues having regard to the age and stage of the rotation of the almost 16,000ha of ash that were grant aided between 1990 and 2013.”
It is important to note that legislation allows for an exemption to landowners from obtaining a tree felling licence in situations where the tree felling is carried out to control or prevent the spread of disease. Minister McConalogue added that “a total of €9.2 million has been expended to date” on schemes to tackle ash dieback. “A total of €875,476 has been expended by my department on the RUS scheme since it opened in 2020, involving interventions on 525ha. A total of 974 applications have been received representing 3,720ha with 390 approved for an area of 1,239ha,” he said.
The ash dieback disease has resulted in significant damage to forestry plantations in Ireland. The disease is caused by a fungus that was first discovered in Poland and spread to other countries in Europe. It attacks the leaves, twigs, and branches of ash trees, causing them to wilt and die. The disease is highly contagious and can spread rapidly, which is why it is important to remove infected trees as soon as possible.
The disease was first discovered in Ireland in 2012 and has since spread to many parts of the country. The impact of the disease has been devastating for landowners who have lost income as a result of the disease. Many have called for compensation for their losses, but Minister McConalogue has ruled out any possibility of this happening.
The Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme RUS (ash dieback) was launched in June 2020 to help landowners clear and replant their forestry ground with a different species. The scheme provides grants for site clearance and replanting to cover the costs associated with these operations. However, the scheme does not provide compensation for income loss. This has left many landowners frustrated and angry.
In conclusion, Minister McConalogue has ruled out any possibility of compensation for landowners affected by ash dieback in forestry. The Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme RUS (ash dieback) was launched in June 2020 to help landowners clear and replant their forestry ground with a different species. The scheme provides grants for site clearance and replanting to cover the costs associated with these operations. However, the scheme does not provide compensation for income loss. The impact of the disease has been devastating for landowners who have lost income as a result of the disease. Many have called for compensation for their losses, but it seems that this is not going to happen.
