24th July 2023

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CIRCULAR 12/2023

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To all Registered Foresters and other Stakeholders

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Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 – Opening for new applications

The Minister is now pleased to open the Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback 2023-2027

for new applications.

The Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 is contained within the Forestry

Programme 2023-2027. This complies with State Aid rules as outlined in the Commission

Regulation (EU) 2022/2472 of 14 December 2022, declaring certain categories of aid in the

agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas compatible with the internal market in

application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Registered Foresters may now submit Form 1 applications for the Reconstitution Scheme

for Ash Dieback 2023-2027 in the usual way. The application will need to be submitted with

a harvest plan and harvest plan map). The Scheme document and application forms are

available at www.gov.ie/forestry

These applications will be received on the basis that they will be processed by DAFM up to

the point of decision.

This scheme is subject to an ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and

Appropriate Assessment (AA) process. The Minister reserves the right to revise the terms and

conditions of this scheme.

Applicants may therefore be required to “opt-in” to any revised terms and conditions before a

decision is made on their application.

Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) Applications with DAFM awaiting a decision.

Applications for RUS that are with DAFM and awaiting a decision are being processed

internally to the point of decision.

Decisions will not issue from DAFM until the relevant environmental processes conclude. At

that stage applicants will be written to by DAFM to invite them to “opt in” and accept the

terms and conditions of the new Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027.

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Applicants with a valid technical approval under the previous RUS.

DAFM will, once the relevant environmental process have concluded, issue a separate Circular

with instructions for forest owners with valid RUS approvals who have not commenced work

and wish to ‘opt in’ to the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027.

Independent Review:

Minister Hackett announced the establishment of an independent review of the Departments

Reconstitution for Ash dieback support scheme.

The group are tasked with reviewing the existing supports in place for landowners affected

by Ash Dieback in grant aided plantations. They will engage with relevant stakeholders to

seek their views on the current supports and make recommendations to the Minister of the

effectiveness of these supports.

No applicant to the current Scheme or the De Minimis scheme will be disadvantaged if any

change emerges from the ongoing independent review process.

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Joanne Adams

Asst. Principal Officer

Forestry Division

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