Forest owners affected by the ash dieback disease are furious over the proposed level of support under the draft Ash Dieback Scheme, according to IFA farm forestry chair Vincent Nally.

He criticised the Department of Agriculture for “completely inadequite” compensation supports, saying that it did not meaningfully consider the submissions made during the 2018 consultation.

Nally labelled the treatment and engagement with forest owners by the Department as disappointing, as many investments and pensions have been devastated.

“Research suggests where dieback is severe, the best approach is to harvest remaining commercial timber before value depreciation and replant the area with other tree species,” said Nally, calling for any new scheme to support forest owners to replant.

This means that the IFA is looking for a significant overhaul of the proposed scheme.

“IFA cannot accept a scheme that excludes forest owners affected or significantly reduces the level of support available based on age, height or the extent of the disease,” said Nally.

IFA proposed measures:

  • A reconstitute grant for all plantations affected by ash dieback.
  • A 15-year premium to be paid on replanted land.
  • An option not to be replanted under certain circumstances.

    The forestry chair said that the Government must have adequate supports and in some cases that means not replanting as it makes more sense to convert back to agriculture. He also said that the IFA would not accept the Government “dragging its feet” on the matter.

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