Ash dieback payments are not viable, TDs told

The disease is now prevalent countrywide and is likely to cause the death of most ash trees over the next two decades

The root of an ash tree which has been cut for the making of hurleys in an ash plantation in County Limerick. Picture Dan Linehan

The mighty ash tree, a feature of the Irish landscape for centuries, is also part of the country’s social, economic, and sporting life.

A strong and flexible wood that does not break easily, it has been used to produce furniture, walking sticks, hurleys, snooker cues and hockey sticks.