Vigilance urged as further cases of Ash Dieback disease identified

Fine Gael Sligo Leitrim Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and the Marine Micahel Comiskey today (Friday) urged owners of ash plants to continue to be vigilant and conscious of the signs of ash die back disease (Chalara) as 22 further positive cases have been identified.

“It is disappointing to hear of these further cases which were identified during the on-going survey of ash plants currently being undertaken by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.   As a consequence, there is to be a significant stepping up of the Department’s eradication measures on plants which present a risk of harbouring the disease.

  “Despite scientific evidence suggesting that the disease does not spread until the summer, by intensifying identification, containment and eradication efforts now, we are hopeful that the threat can be significantly reduced.

“The presence of the disease was initially identified in a batch of imported plants consequently restrictions have been placed on the manner in which ash is imported into the country.   The Department is engaged in cross border co-operation with their counterpart officials in Northern Ireland in seeking to gain an advantage from our island status in stemming the spread of the disease.

“It is vital that if ash plant owners identify a reason for concern that they report same, with photographs if possible, to the Forest service.   Should resulting tests prove positive for the disease the Department will supervise the destruction and the re-establishment of these sites.   A re-establishment grant will be made available to the owners of private plantations which are part of the Department’s afforestation programme.”