FORESTRY should be a key part of Ireland’s response to climate change, supporting rural communities and protecting biodiversity.
That’s the view of Sinn Féin senator Joanne Collins who said in the Seanad that the reality for many forest owners is one of delay, financial loss, and frustration.
“One major ongoing issue is ash dieback. Although the Department has the reconstitution scheme for plantation owners, there is no financial support for farmers and landowners with ash dieback on their hedgerows.
Dead and dying trees along public roads are serious health and safety hazards, as we saw during Storm Éowyn when the roads were blocked for days and power lines were brought down, leaving homes without electricity for weeks,” she added.
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