Removal of Suspect Ash Trees (ash dieback disease) Planted Under REPS/AEOS

Fine Gael Sligo Leitrim Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture Michael Comiskey today (Monday) welcomed a policy announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD and his Department in respect of measures to stem ash dieback disease while protecting REPS/AEOS payments.

“Ash Dieback is a serious disease of ash trees which has spread rapidly in continental Europe over the past 10 years and has in recent months reached our shores.   Approximately 3% of Irish forests are comprised of ash, with Coillte alone currently managing 2,700 hectares of ash.

“Cooler temperatures and wetter conditions may favour some strains of the disease, and following the conditions which prevailed here, and the identification of the disease already in the country, we must be particularly conscious of the symptoms of the disease, to avoid further cases.

“Farmers are now being asked to examine ash trees planted under REPS and AEOS agri-environmental plan for any unusual signs of ill health.

“Farmers who have concerns regarding ash plants planted under these schemes that may be showing symptoms of ash dieback, should contact the Department with a view to removing these plants under force majeure.

“Concerned farmers should apply using the force majeure application form which can be downloaded from the Agri Environment Section of the Department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie .

“Any queries should be directed to the Department at 053-9165593 or 053-9170365 or by e-mail at either [email protected]/* */ or [email protected]/* */

“I would urge farmers not to take action until the application for force majeure is considered and approved.    Only then can the trees be removed without affecting the participant’s REPS/AEOS payments and without the need to replant.”

Symptoms associated with ash dieback includes:

• foliage wilt – black/brown leaves may be retained;
• shoot dieback with brownish to orange discolouration, often multiple shoots; and,
• elongated angular stem lesions, often diamond shaped.