Galway landowners and farmers are being urged to attend a public meeting, organised by the Department of Agriculture and Teagasc, on the effects of the ash dieback disease on forests.
The meeting takes place in the Teagasc Mellows Campus in Athenry on Wednesday May 29 at 8pm.
According to Fine Gael Galway West TD Sean Kyne, at least three confirmed case of ash dieback disease, or Chalara Fraxinea, have been identified in Galway, “with a strong likelihood of further cases”.
Ash dieback causes wilting, premature shedding of leaves, and death of the top of the crown. The disease is often chronic but can be lethal, particularly to young ash plants, killing them within one growing season. Older trees can survive initial attacks, but tend to succumb eventually.
In response the Department has re-opened the Reconstitution Grant Scheme to support landowners and farmers affected by ash dieback in restoring forests.
Dep Kyne is urging farmers and landownders to attend next week’s public meeting.
“Successfully combating ash dieback will require a joint effort by all concerned,” he said. “I’m encouraged that the Department of Agriculture and other relevant bodies are working with their UK counterparts to ensure an all-island approach is adopted.”
