Ash tree disease not yet in Ireland, says Coveney

A new disease which affects ash trees and is widespread throughout much of Europe has not yet been found in Ireland. But Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney says he is very concerned about the chalara fraxinea fungus.

“The Forest Service of my department has been carrying out surveys for the disease to determine its status in Ireland and has also been monitoring imports of ash plants, and wood products,” said Mr Coveney.

He revealed it has been recently detected in Great Britain, largely associated with imported plant material.

“At present, there are no plans to impose an import ban. However, all measures available under EU and national legislation will be utilised to prevent the spread of the disease to Ireland.”

Chalara fraxinea has decimated about 90% of Denmark’s ash population. It poses a threat to Ireland’s manufacture of about 250,000 ash hurleys per year by about 120 makers, according to the Guild of Ash Hurley Makers.