10/07/2013
All-Ireland Ash Dieback Strategy Confirmed
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have agreed on an all-island strategy to combat ash dieback disease.
Agriculture Ministers Michelle O’Neill and Tom Hayes have finalised a strategy to to prevent Chalara ash dieback disease becoming established in Ireland.
Minister O’Neill said: "The fact that Ireland is an island, isolated from potential sources of infection, suggests that there is a reasonable hope of preventing or slowing down the disease from becoming established here. The effectiveness of our approach is likely to depend on detecting and eradicating any incidence of the disease within Ireland before it spreads to ash trees in the wider environment."
Minister Hayes said: "Ash dieback is a serious tree disease and ash trees are of particular landscape, environmental and cultural value in Ireland. So far, this disease has only been found in recently planted ash trees linked to imports and our aim is to reduce the risk of the disease becoming established here. The strategy is comprehensive and covers many elements including our joint approaches on eradication, research into breeding for resistance, engaging with the public and other stakeholders and advice for woodland owners."
The Ministers discussed this year’s surveillance plans, disease findings and the support available to woodland owners to destroy and replace affected ash plants.
Minister Hayes added: "A clearer picture of the extent of Chalara ash dieback will become evident over the summer months as both Departments intensify surveillance. The Strategy will be kept under constant review based on this ongoing surveillance and the development of scientific knowledge of this complex disease."
(IT/CD)
Agriculture Ministers Michelle O’Neill and Tom Hayes have finalised a strategy to to prevent Chalara ash dieback disease becoming established in Ireland.
Minister O’Neill said: "The fact that Ireland is an island, isolated from potential sources of infection, suggests that there is a reasonable hope of preventing or slowing down the disease from becoming established here. The effectiveness of our approach is likely to depend on detecting and eradicating any incidence of the disease within Ireland before it spreads to ash trees in the wider environment."
Minister Hayes said: "Ash dieback is a serious tree disease and ash trees are of particular landscape, environmental and cultural value in Ireland. So far, this disease has only been found in recently planted ash trees linked to imports and our aim is to reduce the risk of the disease becoming established here. The strategy is comprehensive and covers many elements including our joint approaches on eradication, research into breeding for resistance, engaging with the public and other stakeholders and advice for woodland owners."
The Ministers discussed this year’s surveillance plans, disease findings and the support available to woodland owners to destroy and replace affected ash plants.
Minister Hayes added: "A clearer picture of the extent of Chalara ash dieback will become evident over the summer months as both Departments intensify surveillance. The Strategy will be kept under constant review based on this ongoing surveillance and the development of scientific knowledge of this complex disease."
(IT/CD)
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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.
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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.
12 April 2013
Ash Dieback Report Published
The Department of Agriculture is asking for feedback on a new report published today on how to tackle the spread of ash dieback in Northern Ireland. The strategy outlines a 'Fortress Ireland' approach for the identification, control and eradication of the pest which causes Chalara ash dieback, and sets out the actions that will be taken.
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05 November 2012
Ireland Steps Up Ash Dieback Campaign
Forestry Minister Michelle O’Neill’s 'Fortress Ireland' approach to the ash dieback problem affecting the UK is to step up its campaign. She is currently working with Dáil Forestry Minister Shane McEntee to prevent the fungal disease from reaching Ireland.
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12 December 2012
Minister Delivers Ash Dieback Update
Northern Ireland’s Agricultural Minister has updated stakeholders on the handling of the ash dieback disease. Michelle O’Neill met with woodland growers, forestry agents, nursery and trade representatives, hurley manufacturers and local council officials at Stormont.
Minister Delivers Ash Dieback Update
Northern Ireland’s Agricultural Minister has updated stakeholders on the handling of the ash dieback disease. Michelle O’Neill met with woodland growers, forestry agents, nursery and trade representatives, hurley manufacturers and local council officials at Stormont.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.