Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2013
566. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the measures he has put in place since the chalara fraxinea disease was found in ash trees here; the results that the Winter survey presented and the additional measures he thinks are necessary in order to deal with the affects of this disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6823/13]
View answerThe Department confirmed Ireland’s first positive finding of Chalara fraxinea in October of 2012. Prior to this any surveying for the disease had yielded negative results. Following the finding a major survey was initiated by the Department part of which was a winter survey of all ash plantations of imported stock planted during 2009 – 2012. This exercise has now been completed. The plantation survey is ongoing and is now looking at a larger timeframe of plantings.
Well over 100 samples were sent for analysis from the winter plantation survey. In total there are currently 26 forestry plantations with imported ash that have tested positive; with trace-forward of the associated trees in the batches this represents over 120 sites. In addition a member of the public reported a suspected garden ash tree and this also tested positive. A further occurrence has been confirmed on ash growing on the surrounds of a farm. Department officials are also surveying forestry and horticultural nurseries, motorways as well as farm plantings. There have been positive samples in 14 separate horticultural nurseries and 1 garden centre. In relation to the motorways I can report that 3 sites have been identified as having the disease.
The Department’s forestry officials are working with the forestry contractors and the owners to remove the ash trees on these 120- plus sites, under a reconstitution scheme. This scheme is being put in place and its terms and conditions will be available shortly. An individual Sanitation Action Plan will be put in place for each of the sites affected. This will set out in detail the procedures to be followed at the specified site. It will cover actions such as disposal of infected material and proper hygiene measures etc.
On 26 October legal measures were also introduced to prohibit the importation into Ireland of plant material from ash dieback infected areas. These measures, introduced by Ministerial Order, took effect immediately. Ireland imported over 200,000 ash plants in 2011.
On 6 November legislation was introduced to restrict the movement of ash wood into the country (in addition to plant material). The legislation allows ash wood movement into Ireland if the wood is; (1) accompanied by a plant passport certifying that it comes from an area free of the disease or; (2) free of outer round surface (no passport required) or; (3) kiln dried below 20% moisture (no passport required).
The legal measures were introduced in conjunction with similar measures taken by Northern Ireland authorities.
Before the legislation was introduced Department officials notified the European Commission and the other Member States of the first finding of Chalara fraxinea in Ireland and the actions taken to destroy the material and its intention to take emergency measures under the EU Plant Health Directive to prevent the further introduction of Chalara fraxinea.
Department officials continue to work closely with their colleagues in Northern Ireland and Great Britain to ensure that all the appropriate measures are taken to tackle this disease. This work includes the production of a joint North/South Control Strategy for the disease and a UK and Ireland Pest Risk Analysis.
