Michael Lowry
Ceist:191. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26594/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 20 June 2024
Ceisteanna (191)
Freagraí scríofa
Since the first finding of Ash Dieback in Ireland in 2012, my Department has introduced Reconstitution Schemes to restore forests planted under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from, or which were associated with, plants affected by disease. The overall financial package being made available to ash plantation owners in respect of ash dieback, which includes the new Climate Action Performance Payment, is in excess of €230 million.
The Climate Action Performance Payment totalling €5,000 per hectare will be paid to current owners of grant aided ash forests whose sites have been cleared and replanted through either a previous Ash Dieback Reconstitution Scheme or the current Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023 to 2027. This is being paid in recognition of the fact that the current forest owner is responsible for maintaining the new trees and ensuring that they continue to grow successfully.