Government ministers in Ireland discuss Chalara ash dieback

Republic of Ireland agriculture minister Tom Hayes and his Northern Ireland counterpart Michelle O'Neill have highlighted the importance of continued co-operation in tackling plant disease throughout Ireland.

The two ministers were speaking at the All-Ireland Chalara ash dieback Conference in Dundalk, where they informed delegates that findings of the disease throughout the island of Ireland have been limited mainly to recently imported material.

Tom Hayes said: "Since Chalara was first identified North and South in late 2012 we have sought to coordinate our efforts and share our experience in order to bring about the best possible 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."

Chalara ash dieback is a serious disease of ash trees and has been found in the north and south of Ireland in recently established ash woodlands and other sites which have been planted with imported ash trees.

The disease has also been found in Counties Leitrim and Tipperary in hedgerows associated with imported ash sites.

Minister Hayes gave an up to date position on the number of occurrences of the disease in the south where he said that there were a total of 120 confirmed findings of the disease located throughout the country.

Of these, 47 are located in forests, with the remainder 73 at non-forest locations.

Minister Hayes said that it was vital that all stakeholders come together 'to explore and develop ways of minimising both the economic and environmental impacts of this disease in Ireland and Great 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'.

(Photo: MEP Mairead McGuiness with Junior Minister Tom Hayes Minister of State in The Department of Agriculutre, Food & the Marine with Minister Michele O'Neill of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland who jointly opened the Charlara Conference in Dundalk.)

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