The Ash Dieback fungus was first identified in 2006 and since then it has destroyed millions of trees across Europe. The effect on the Irish Ash tree population has been severe leaving large numbers of trees either dead or dying. The dead and decaying trees have become a serious risk to the general public especially road users as many of those trees are on roadside boundaries or close to buildings. I am asking Roscommon Co. Co. to write to the Government requesting a national assessment be carried out immediately and funding to have all diseased trees removed put in place in the interest of public safety ."

“The Ash Dieback fungus was first identified in 2006 and since then it has destroyed millions of trees across Europe. The effect on the Irish Ash tree population has been severe leaving large numbers of trees either dead or dying. The dead and decaying trees have become a serious risk to the general public especially road users as many of those trees are on roadside boundaries or close to buildings. I am asking Roscommon Co. Co. to write to the Government requesting a national assessment be carried out immediately and funding to have all diseased trees removed put in place in the interest of public safety."

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a resolution of the Council

Cllr. Fallon, in presenting the Motion said a national assessment was required to assess the extent of trees affected by ash dieback, claiming in some parts of the country upwards of 90% of ash trees are affected. This represents a danger to the public and they will die slowly and become unstable and a National Assessment is required. Surveys have been undertaken in the UK and it is recommended that trees affected are taken down.

The Members welcomed the motion and discussed as follows:

• Any trees removed due to ash dieback should be replaced by native Irish species.
• The Council should provide support for traffic management for the felling of affected trees, funded similarly to a Local Improvement Scheme.
• As this issue evolves a plan must be put in place. The Government needs to take a lead on this and to identify issues on a county by county basis. There also needs to be a wider debate on efforts by Coillte to allow English investment for increased forestry and suggested a representative from Coillte attend a forthcoming meeting to discuss
• Local Authorities and farmers need to work together to resolve the issue.
• Unless affected trees were identified, the problem was going to cost a lot of money.
• Landowners shouldn’t be liable for costs removing affected trees on their lands.
• This matter has been raised a number of times previously however if a tree is on a farmers land he is liable for it.
• There are instances of trees having grown under houses and pavements in towns, claiming this needed to be addressed.

The Chief Executive, Mr. Tiernan said a national scheme is a matter for central government.  If trees at risk are located on private lands, then this was a matter for the landowner concerned, and not the local authority. If, however affected trees were located on public roads, the issue would be assessed on a case by case basis, subject to the risks involved and the resources available.

Cllr T. Waldron called for an amendment to the proposal, seeking to include the removal of ivy from trees be incorporated into the motion, claiming funding should be set aside for training in this regard. Cllr Dineen seconded the amendment.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Kilduff

It was AGREED to write to the Government requesting a national assessment be carried out immediately and funding to have all diseased trees removed put in place in the interest of public safety.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Waldron

SECONDED BY Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to amend the motion to also seek funding for training and removal of ivy as trees can be decayed behind the ivy and this is not visible.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to ask Coillte to attend a forthcoming meeting of Roscommon County Council to update the members on allowing English firms invest in forestry in Ireland