'Fortress Ireland' Call To Prevent Tree Disease

Calls to prevent a deadly tree disease spreading to Ireland have been made by the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neil.

The devastating Ash Dieback (Chlara fraxinea) has been discovered in County Leitrim and has already been responsible for killing trees in England, Scotland and mainland Europe.

The disease causes leaf loss and crown die-back.

Minister O’Neill said she intends to introduce legislation restricting the import and movement of ash plants and untreated wood.

"In view of the serious situation that is now becoming clear, I believe that we now need to protect our vital interests by introducing emergency legislation banning the movement of ash plants and untreated timber into Ireland from areas where the disease may be present," she said.

"Ash is one of the commonest native species on this island so we must do what we can to minimise the risk of Ash Dieback becoming established here. It will take a little while to draft the necessary legislation and in the meantime, I would encourage people not to import ash trees for planting this year, or to import untreated wood which might be carrying the disease."

She commented on a cross-border initiative being set up to prevent the spread of the disease.

"We are co-operating closely with authorities in the south of Ireland on a 'Fortress Ireland' type approach and authorities in Britain in the relation to our response to this disease. I also plan to speak to Minister Simon Coveney as soon as possible about actions we can take together on this disease, and to raise this important issue at the next North South Ministerial Council in Agriculture Sectoral Format, at the end of the month."

(IT)