Brendan Barry has called on Minister responsible for the forest service to explain what has been done to protect electricity lines from falling trees.

The party's local area representative for Carrick has said the decision exacerbates an ongoing biodiversity crisis in the North Shannon region.

Ash dieback is a serious disease of ash trees caused by a fungal pathogen that results in the eventual death of the tree and the weakening of its branches.

The CSO data shows 69 hectares broken down into 49 of broadleaf and 23 hectares of coniferous trees.

The group say they hope to meet with Coillte.

A number of trees were damaged and uprooted around the village last week.

The multi-million euro project will be delivered in Kepak’s Athleague, Co Roscommon facility, with plans to roll out the technology across the Kepak group.

The tees will be planted on a site just over ten acres