Ash dieback limited to mainly recent imports, conference told
Junior agriculture minister Tom Hayes and the North’s agriculture minister Michelle O’Neill addressed the conference which was attended by over 100 delegates. They highlighted the importance of continued co-operation in tackling plant disease throughout Ireland.
Mr Hayes said since Chalara was first identified North and South, in late 2012, both departments have sought to co-ordinate their efforts and share their experience to bring about the best outcome.
“This approach culminated in the launch of the All Ireland Chalara Control Strategy in July 2013. We continue to implement this strategy and see it as an important contributor in addressing the threat posed by Chalara on the island of Ireland,” he said.
Ms O’Neill said her department is committed to enhancing tree and plant health on an all-Ireland basis. “Minister Hayes and I have been working hard through the North South Ministerial Council to encourage co-operation on the island to enhance plant health status, to respond to tree and plant disease outbreaks and to share knowledge and experience,” she said.
Mr Hayes said there were 120 confirmed findings of the disease located throughout the South. Of these, 47 were in forests, with the remainder 73 at non-forest locations.
He said it was vital that all stakeholders come together to explore and develop ways of minimising the economic and environmental impacts of this disease in Ireland and Britain.
“As a native species, ash has important heritage and ecological values and it is incumbent on us all to protect this species as best we can,” he said.
The conference provided an update on the scientific understanding of the disease and was hosted by the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute and the Society of Irish Plant Pathologists.
