Local TD says lacklustre Ash Dieback scheme damaging confidence in sector

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Government’s lacklustre scheme to support landowners affected by Ash Dieback is damaging confidence in the sector.

Ash Dieback was first detected in 2012 – and in 2020, Government launched a scheme to support landowners to remove affected trees and replace them with another species.

But it doesn’t provide compensation for lost income – and many organisations argue it also doesn’t even cover the costing of clearing and replanting.

Sinn Fein Deputy Claire Kerrane says it’s vital that greater support is provided to ensure confidence in the sector.

And she welcomed a comment from Minister Pippa Hacket that she will look at reviewing the scheme this year.