Anger as call for Mayo funding to tackle ash dieback is brushed aside

An elected member of Mayo County Council is perplexed by the Department of Agriculture's response to concerns raised by the authority about the increasing threat posed by ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) to the safety of the community.

The disease has not only affected a significant number of trees throughout the countryside but also presents a serious risk of these trees falling onto roads, pathways and structures.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, councillors in the Castlebar Municipal District passed a resolution to formally request additional government funding of €100,000 per year for the next five years.

This financial assistance is crucial to implementing effective measures to address the ash dieback issue, ensuring public safety, and safeguarding our natural environment.

Now Councillor Al McDonnell has stated the department's 'standard response' to the council has failed to recognise the fact that diseased roadside ash trees represent a serious health and safety threat to all road users.

The Department of Agriculture did not respond to the council's appeal for special funding.

Instead, it referred to the fact the reconstitution scheme for ash dieback is open for applications under the new Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027.

Councillor McDonnell said he is not very encouraged by the department's attitude on the matter.