Forestry Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Questions (953)

Marian Harkin

Question:

953. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the regulations in regard to the spraying of forestry plantations with cypermethrin at different times of the year (details supplied); the regulations in regard to set-back distances between adjacent land and the location the spraying is being carried out; the regulations in regard to a notice period to be given to adjacent landowners in order that they can make preparations to have animals indoors and windows closed; if there are other insecticides that would work which are less toxic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5456/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is the Competent Authority in Ireland with responsibility for the authorisation of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) and regulations on their use. There is one cypermethrin-based product authorised for use in forestry plantations. This authorisation is for the control of Pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) in replanted forest sites, where the control of this pest is necessary to keep young tree saplings alive and to keep the forest stand viable. This application is done by handheld or knapsack sprayers, where a small quantity of product is applied directly onto each sapling.

There is no legal requirement for forest owners to inform adjacent land owners of their intention to spray, although many do nor is there a need for animals in adjacent properties to be moved as the application of this PPP is by hand in a very targeted manner that minimises exposure of the environment. Regulations require users of this PPP to be professionally trained and they are required to refrain from application within 20m of watercourses. There is very little cypermethrin used in recent years and the sector has generally moved to use alternative PPPs. My Department is currently funding projects investigating alternative ways of controlling this very damaging pest.