Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
802. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current position with regard to ash-dieback disease; if there is a particular programme for monitoring these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27251/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the first confirmed finding of Ash Dieback disease in October 2012, on imported trees used in forestry plantations, surveys for the disease have been conducted year on year since.
In addition to forest surveys, staff in the wider Department conducted surveys in horticultural nurseries, garden centres, private gardens, roadside landscaping and farm agri-environment scheme plantings.
In recent years Ash dieback disease has been found to be widespread in all 26 Counties. At this point it is unlikely that there are any forest plantations in the Country without some level of infection from the disease.
Ash Dieback Disease is widely distributed in locations outside forest plantations, in hedgerows, garden trees and along motorways.
Elsewhere in Europe, Ash dieback disease occurs right throughout the natural range of ash.
