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Ash Dieback Threat

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 November 2018

Wednesday, 14 November 2018

Questions (250)

Brian Stanley

Question:

250. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to prevent the spread of dieback chalara affecting ash forestry here; the studies undertaken by his Department on the way in which this disease commenced here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47346/18]

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Written answers

The first confirmed finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland was made in October 2012 in a forestry plantation in County Leitrim which had been planted in 2009 with trees imported from continental Europe. Shortly thereafter all the recently planted ash trees on that site were destroyed under Departmental supervision. The ash trees on another 10 sites where trees from the same batch of imported plants were planted out (approximately 33,000 plants in total) were also destroyed.

In March 2013 the Department, continuing its efforts to attempt to prevent the spread of the disease, introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to remove infected ash and restore forest areas planted under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from or which were associated with plants affected by disease. These findings of infected plantations continued to increase, as ash dieback disease was found over much of the country. In April 2018 Minister of State Doyle announced a Review of the National Response to ash dieback disease as it became increasingly evident from continued findings supported by the latest scientific advice that eradication of ash dieback disease is no longer feasible. Given this position, the Department has taken the view that its policy response must also change to one of living with the disease. While the Reconstitution Scheme is no longer available as it is under review, forest owners affected by ash dieback disease can avail of support under the Woodland Improvement Scheme. The review of the Reconstitution Scheme is nearing completion and the results of that review and the consequent approach in terms of management of the disease going forward will be available in the near future.

My Department has organised various information events since ash dieback disease was first identified in October 2012 including an All Ireland Chalara Conference and nationwide public meetings. Advice continues to be provided by my Department’s Inspectors to foresters in the public and private sectors on the biology of the disease and recognition of symptoms as well as on the procedures around the clearance of affected forest plantations and infected nursery stock. Inspectors also regularly provide briefings for or attend information meetings for landowners and other relevant stakeholders and representative groups such as the IFA, the GAA, and the Ash Society.

The origins of ash dieback disease are not certain but scientists have suggested the disease may have been introduced to Europe from eastern Asia. The fungus which causes the disease has a complex life cycle. Infection first makes its way into a tree when the spores of the fungus are carried in the air and land on healthy leaves over the summer months. The fungus then grows into the leaves and down into the leaf petiole or rachis, and progressively into twigs, branches, and the stem.

Where the disease is already present in a locality further local spread is likely to be caused by spores borne on the wind, each year travelling many kilometres from the original source. There is also a risk of introducing the disease into a locality where it is not yet present (and where that locality is at a considerable distance from an existing source of infection) by bringing already diseased ash seeds or plants into that area for the first time.

There are a number of simple and practical steps which can help avoid the further spread of the disease. For example before leaving a forest where ash trees are present, landowners and other visitors are advised to remove all plant debris such as leaves etc. from clothing and footwear. Plant material should not be removed from such sites and where the presence of the disease is suspected, and the following hygiene measures should be observed:

- Footwear: Wash off all plant and soil debris from boots. Spray your boots with disinfectant and dispose of any used water onto an area where the water will not run into a watercourse.

- Clothing: Check all clothing for any plant material.

- Tools & equipment: Wash off all plant and soil debris and apply disinfectant afterwards. Dispose of any used water onto an area where it cannot enter a watercourse.

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