The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD today invited comments from stakeholders on an All-Ireland Chalara Control Strategy.  The draft Strategy developed jointly by DAFM with  the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in Northern Ireland outlines an approach to identify, control and eradicate the disease that causes Chalara ash dieback.  To date the disease has been identified on several planting sites, horticultural nurseries, roadsides and farm plantings in both jurisdictions and major efforts are continuing to destroy all sources of the deadly disease.

Speaking today Minister Coveney said “It is vital to have an all-Ireland approach to deal with this disease.  It is equally important that all stakeholders engage in this process to ensure that together we can identify the best measures and policies and eradicate the disease from the island of Ireland.  I have met with my counterpart Minister Michelle O’ Neill on this subject and in November last year both Ministers  introduced similar legislation to restrict the movement of imported ash plants and wood into Ireland.  We both acknowledge that more needs to be done and welcome comments from all stakeholders on the draft strategy.”

The draft strategy includes joint policies on surveillance, destruction, research collaboration, general awareness, advice etc.  It is available to download on the DAFM website on this linked page or see doc attached below.

Comments on the Strategy should be forwarded before Tuesday 30^th April 2013 by email to forestprotection@agriculture.gov.ie, or by post to Chalara Consultation, Forest Service, DAFM, 3 West, Agriculture house, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.  A similar consultation process for Stakeholders in Northern Ireland is outlined on the DARD website.     

 Draft All Ireland Chalara Control Strategy (pdf 356Kb)

Date Released: 12 April 2013