February 8, 2024
Claire Kerrane TD calls for immediate publication of Ash Dieback Strategy

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has called on Minister Hackett to publish the Government’s Ash Dieback Strategy immediately.

The independent review on the Government’s response to Ash Dieback was presented to the Minister in September. The review stressed the urgency of the situation and recommended action on the issue of Ash Dieback.

Minister Hackett had previously advised in December that the awaited strategy would be presented to Cabinet in the ‘very near future’, but no further updates have been given since then.

Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:

“I am again calling on Minister Hackett to publish the Government’s strategy on Ash Dieback without delay.

“The Minister has repeatedly provided assurances that a detailed Action Plan is being prepared to deal with the issue of Ash Dieback and that this would be presented to Cabinet very soon.

“She received the independent review of the Government’s response to Ash Dieback back in September, which stressed how urgent this situation is and suggested a range of actions to address the issue of Ash Dieback.

“Yet, the weeks and months continue to pass, the issue of Ash Dieback continues to worsen, and we still do not have sight of a strategy.

“Farmers, forestry landowners and representative organisations have continuously highlighted the really serious situation they are facing as a result of the issue of Ash Dieback being allowed to go on for so long.

“As I have said before, it is a health and safety risk and a cause of financial loss and frustration for affected farmers and forestry owners that is set to worsen if measures are not put in place immediately.

“There is no more time to lose and the Minister must publish a strategy to address the issue of Ash Dieback immediately.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has this morning addressed the 'European-Palestinian Initiative Against Apartheid and Settlements (EPIAAS)' conference in Brussels.

@DeclanKearneySF

https://vote.sinnfein.ie/kearney-tells-anti-apartheid-conference-world-leaders-must-stop-arms-sales-to-israel-and-impose-sanctions-now/

I am committed to seizing the enormous opportunities ahead of us to create more well-paid jobs, attract new investment, and support our local businesses to thrive.

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with hundreds of local businesses at the CBI event in Belfast…

It was truly inspiring to meet this amazing group of people at Sankalpa and listen to their powerful, personal stories of addiction & recovery.

Mick & the team are doing remarkable work helping people rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families. They must be supported!…

Load More

Statements