Beetle pest poses significant threat

Researchers at Teagasc and University College Dublin have warned that the accidental introduction of the eucalyptus leaf beetle pest into Ireland poses a significant threat to our commercial foliage, biomass and forestry industries.

It is the first leaf beetle of its kind to become established in Europe, and was initially discovered damaging foliage crops in Kerry in 2007. It is now commonly found in many areas of Co Cork.

Predictions of the pattern of spread suggest that it is only a matter of time before it is established throughout the island, posing a biosecurity risk also to the UK and mainland Europe.