Strict controls on potato importers

National controls have been increased on any importers of potatoes originating in EU states where epitrix (potato flea beetle) has been detected.

These measures will be temporary, to address the serious risk to the indigenous potato sector arising from a possible outbreak of epitrix, said Andrew Doyle, minister of state at the department of agriculture, food and the marine.

He stated that his department will review the decision regularly, to reflect decisions made at EU level in relation to the harmful organism and the spread of the pest.