Department launches campaign to eradicate devastating ash disease

Evidence indicating a spread of ash dieback disease has prompted an “eradication plan” at the country’s first confirmed disease site in Co Leitrim.

Ash dieback (chalara fraxinea) is a highly contagious disease which has had devastating effects on ash tree populations in parts of Europe.

The first recorded, and single largest Irish outbreak, was detected in Co Leitrim in Oct 2012. It is believed the disease was introduced in imported saplings.