National scheme needed to address ash dieback disease

A FUNDING scheme is needed to address the issue of ash dieback disease on a national level.

Councillor Damien Ryan has proposed Mayo County Council seeking funding at ministerial level for a national scheme that would be administered through the councils.

Ash dieback is a problem that has to be dealt with, with trees deteriorating, and the department and government need to take it seriously, he said.

“It's a road safety issue. Funding is needed to deal with the trees adjacent to carriageways,” he said.

If there is a stormy winter there could be carnage, he warned.

Director of services Tom Gilligan said he would discuss it with the parks superintendent

Ash dieback is as bad if not worse than invasive species like Japanese knotweed.

The council will discuss it as part of the hedge cutting forum going forward.