The impact of Storm Betty demonstrated the “danger” aroundunmanaged trees and exposed the issue of public safety around ash dieback,according to Senator Victor Boyhan.

The senator said that following the storm, it was “clear” tosee that all over the countryside ash die-back trees, wood and branches lay onpublic roadways.

He is calling on the government to provide funding for localauthorities and landowners towards the removal of the trees.

Senator Boyhan has called for each of the 31 localauthorities to be “empowered to fund, coordinate and administer a newgovernment fund”.

He said this way, works can begin to tackle the issue,provided consultation occurs with property owners, farmers, foresters and localfarm organisations impacted by ash dieback.

Landowners with ash dieback

Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts restricts the cutting ofvegetation growing in hedges during the nesting and breeding season for birdsand wildlife, from March 1 to August 31.

However, Senator Boyhan pointed out that there areexemptions to this law, which allow for tree and hedge cutting if there are concernsfor safety.

“A major concern as the disease spreads is the risk ofaccidents occurring due to trees falling or branches dropping.

“The danger will increase as older trees become infected.This will have serious implications for forest owners, particularly if thetrees are growing close to public roadways,” Senator Boyhan said.

He warned that if a tree falls and causes damage, the ownerof the tree is liable.

Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 places a statutoryobligation on all landowners or occupiers of land to ensure that trees do notpresent a danger to those using and working on public roads.

Senator Boyhan highlighted this act, adding that a localauthority can also in cases of immediate danger, take the necessary actionrequired without giving notice to make a property safe.

“Landowners should walk their property and assess the levelof infection and risk in all their Ash trees, those planted and those in thehedgerows,” Senator Boyhan said.

While the responsibility of ash dieback lies withlandowners, the senator added that the government needs to provide support tothese owners to deal with the current dangers.

Full article at https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/storm-betty-highlighted-the-danger-around-ash-dieback-senator/

For moreinformation contact us at www.forestryservices.ie

‍