Independent TD Carol Nolan has called for an urgent review of the recently announced €79.5 million package for farmers and landowners whose forests have been impacted by ash dieback.
The Laois Offaly TD raised the matter in the Dáil with Taoiseach Simon Harris following her engagement with Limerick and Tipperary Woodland Owners Ltd (LTWO):
“The recent announcement on ash dieback finally recognised that landowners deserved to be compensated for losses outside their control, and I welcomed that when the scheme was initially announced,” said Deputy Nolan.
“However, I also said at the same time that the details of the package must not become a bureaucratic mess or degenerate into an inaccessible scheme for those most impacted by Ash dieback.”
“Unfortunately, we now see that the devil really was in the detail and as such I am calling for an urgent review and a significant increase in the levels of compensation that are being proposed.”
“I know from my engagement with the LTWO that particular concerns exist around the clearance grants that are capped at €2,000 per hectare while quotes for clearance are running at €6,500 per hectare. This means farmers will have to borrow money to clear the land.”
“We also know that proposed compensation levels of €5,000 per hectare does not compare with the typical losses of €40,000 per hectare according to independent forestry valuation.”
“What is urgently needed here is a review of this scheme and a timeline for compensation to be rightfully and urgently paid to the affected landowners.”
Responding to Deputy Nolan the Taoiseach said that while he was “really pleased we have got to the point of having a scheme to provide financial assistance.”
He also acknowledged that “it has been a very stressful time for so many farmers and foresters” and urged the Independent TD to write to him about the concerns arising in Limerick and Tipperary.
https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2024-05-08/3/#