Removal grants sought to tackle ash dieback danger

Landowners struggling with soaring costs to remove trees damaged by ash dieback located perilously close to roads should receive direct government support before a serious accident occurs, councillors have warned.

Cllr Trevor Smith (FG) called on the government to introduce a dedicated assistance scheme to help pay for the cutting and removal of hazardous ash trees. Proposed at the May meeting of Cavan County Council, Clllr Smith urged Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and the Department of Agriculture to step in with financial supports.

Ash dieback has devastated trees across the country in recent years, leaving countless structurally weakened, unstable and vulnerable to collapse.

The motion received widespread backing.

Cllr Clifford Kelly (FF) said former councillor Peter McVitty (FG) had previously raised similar concerns, warning that the situation had become increasingly difficult to “maintain”.

While acknowledging responsibility ultimately rests with landowners, Cllr Kelly urged the government to recognise the scale of the problem nationally, whilst pointing to the growing difficulties faced by HGV drivers navigating rural roads lined with overhanging branches.

Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind) also supported the proposal, warning that debris falling from diseased trees was already creating conditions where drivers are forced to “swerve” to avoid branches and fallen debris on narrow roads.

Cllr TP O’Reilly (FG) stressed the enormous burden removal costs are placing on ordinary landowners, saying many are facing massive bills, with costs in some cases reaching up to €1,000 per tree.

Cllr Patricia Walsh (FF) also backed the motion.