Request for more help on ash dieback

A request that the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad provide support to property owners affected by ash dieback was made at the district’s February meeting by the mayor, Cllr Hazel Smyth.

The Green Party councillor suggested that the district help owners by removing the trees where necessary, in the interests of safety and containment.

The written response to Cllr Smyth’s request stated that the district has been monitoring and maintaining ash dieback in the public areas that fall within the responsibility of the local authority.

“Trees on private property are a matter for the property owner, and the resources would not be present from the district to provide the support as described,” the reply stated, going on to add that, however, as part of the forthcoming Westmeath County Council Tree Management Policy, engagement with the public in caring for trees will be undertaken, and that will include the provision of information and guidance on issues including ash die back for the public.

Cllr Smyth told the executive that Teagasc believe that the disease, in this country since 2012, will cost the country 90 per cent of its ash, one of Ireland’s native trees. Cllr Smyth said that she was concerned over the danger that may be posed by trees along the roadside affected by the disease.

Cllr Frank McDermott supported her on the roadside danger issue but said that he knows of a 20-acre plantation affected by the disease “and nobody gives a damn”: the landowner can’t get anyone to take the trees out, and he can’t get it replanted.

Responding, director of service David Jones said the council take seriously the issues of ash dieback and road safety, and more guidance will be available once the new policy is decided around May.