Further restrictions on ash imports as disease fears grow

As concern grows about a fungal diseases that has wiped out ash trees in northern Europe, the Department of Agriculture has placed further restrictions on ash importation.

Only ash known to be from areas free from chalara ash dieback disease or kiln-dried ash with its outer surface, including bark, removed, will be allowed into the country.

These regulations will have an impact on hurley manufacturers who import ash with its outer surface intact. Up to 70% of the ash used in the making of hurleys is imported.

Hurley manufacturers are being urged by the department to change their supply arrangements immediately. Other manufacturers are already using the sanctioned planks.

The import of ash saplings and seeds from affected European countries was restricted last month. Nursery owners will require a plant passport if they are to move a sapling to another part of this country.

Shane McEntee, junior minister at the department, said the legislation “introduces strong legal measures for wood combined with the measures brought in last month for plants. This means that north and south of the border rules are in place to prevent the risk of the disease being imported into the island. While I understand plants are the highest risk in terms of a pathway for the disease, wood is also a risk and I was particularly concerned with high-risk unprocessed wood such as firewood entering the country from infected areas”.

Meanwhile, Coillte has agreed to bring forward the harvesting of its ash to help alleviate any interim supply issues that might arise from the importation restrictions.