Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
268. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry owners affected by ash dieback who were deemed ineligible for support under the reconstitution of ash dieback scheme, by county; the reasons for such exclusions; whether a review of eligibility criteria is under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44821/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the initial finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, my Department has provided support to owners of grant aided forests impacted by the disease. This is currently administered through the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 and the Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP) Scheme and includes:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000 per hectare.
• Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027; depending on forest type.
• Climate Action Performance Payment will entitle ash forest owners who clear their sites and replant to a further €5,000 per hectare.
The majority of applications received have been approved, with 1,638 approvals issued since September 2023 while 17 applications have been refused to date.
A breakdown by county of number applications refused is provided below:
|
Reconstitution and Under planting |
|
|
County |
No. of Refusals |
|
Clare |
4 |
|
Cork |
2 |
|
Galway |
2 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
The applications detailed above were refused as they did not meet the criteria of the ash plantations having 20% or less of another species intimately mixed through the plantation or felling works had started prior to a decision being made.
While funded through the Exchequer, all forestry reconstitution schemes must comply with European Union State Aid rules. The criteria for State Aid to the Forestry Sector is outlined within the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas, in conjunction with the Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation (ABER). Aid in the favour of reconstitution schemes must comply with strict criteria allowing for restoration of the forestry potential.
My Department continues to actively encourage those who have been affected and have not applied to the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 to do so as soon as possible.
