Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
450. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to increase biosecurity measures in light of the outbreak of bark beetle in Cratloe, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4332/24]
View answer451. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what ongoing supports his Department is offering to a cohort of farmers (details supplied); what engagements he has had with those farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4333/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 450 and 451 together.
My Department’s Plant Health Contingency Plan was activated following the finding of Monterey pine engraver in the Cratloe Co Clare area. This included the establishment of a 10km demarcated area around the traps where beetles were found. This has been done in accordance with the requirements of the EU national plant health legislation. Further intensive surveillance is being carried out in the area.
Movement restrictions apply only to pine wood that is not bark-free originating in the demarcated area. The movement restrictions are being put in place as a precaution to avoid situations where potentially infested wood could be traded out of the area, facilitating the spread of the beetle. Forest owners impacted have been contacted directly by telephone and informed of this situation and also contacted in writing and provided with information on the Monterey pine engraver and a map of the Demarcated Area. Owners will be kept informed as this situation develops.
The new Forestry Programme allows my Department to develop a Reconstitution scheme that can contribute to the costs of restoring forest potential as a result of damage, or potential damage, from frost, drought, wind and other natural events. We are committed to working closely with those affected and will be engaging with the landowners and those affected again this week, to keep them up to date with the situation.
My Department is working to facilitate the movement of pine wood that is not bark-free out of the demarcated under controlled circumstances.
All regulated third country wood products are subject to inspection at the point of entry into Ireland and the EU. All wood packaging material – wooden pallets, crates, boxes, dunnage etc. associated with imports into the EU, including Ireland must be treated and marked in accordance with the international standard ISPM No.15 for Regulation of Wood Packaging in International Trade.
The pathway of introduction into Ireland of the Monterey Pine Engraver is currently unknown and under investigation by my Department. Molecular diagnostic work has indicated that the beetles found in Co. Clare are most likely of Mexican lineage. There is no current direct trade in pine wood commodities from Mexico.
