Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Shane McEntee, for the initiatives he has taken to minimise the risks posed by ash dieback disease. The regulations introduced have been measured in terms of the type of ash products which may be imported and the countries from which imports may be accepted.

Since the disease was first identified in Europe, we have seen it spread rapidly across the Continent, to Britain and eventually to Ireland. I was disappointed to learn that the first case of the disease had arisen in my county of Leitrim. Historically and culturally, because of the use of ash in the production of hurleys, the tree has a unique significance here. The ash tree dates back 4,000 years and in Celtic times was revered as a sacred tree. While we do not have much sporting success in Leitrim, we have a good young hurling team in Manorhamilton which won the county championship this year. We have good teams coming up and a good interest in hurling in County Leitrim.

The ash tree produces a product which is flexible, strong and resistant to splitting. It has uses in the recreation industry and has long been used in the production of handles for farm and garden tools. It is also used in furniture making, particularly in church furniture such as seating and in altars. It is a native tree, the growth of which should be supported. As with all trees, ash plays a significant part in the biodiversity of the countryside, by providing habitats for native wildlife.

It is important in respect of the forestry sector. I understand that 3% of Irish forestry comprises ash, with Coillte alone managing 2,700 hectares of ash. Similarly, in agriculture, forestry can be one of the leading sectors in turning around the economic circumstances, with the sector worth an estimated ¤2.2 billion to the economy. Therefore, the ash tree and the entire forestry sector is important in that regard. I understand that researchers have suggested that it is unlikely the disease can be eradicated and that management of the disease is the basis on which to proceed.

I welcome the cross-Border co-operation by the Department and its counterparts in Northern Ireland. The spread of the disease across the Continent of Europe identifies the need to tackle the matter on an all-island basis. It is important to further urge farmers and growers to be vigilant. In doing so I commend the Department's forestry service and Coillte for the actions taken in raising awareness of the disease. The campaign will equip landowners with the knowledge and skills to identify the symptoms of the disease and allow for early intervention. Early intervention will be instrumental in stemming the spread of the disease which has been identified in five further sites. I compliment the Minister of State on the action taken in regard to those sites and the taking out of the trees.

It is equally important not to create an environment of undue concern in respect of the planting of ash which may lead landowners to perceive that the risk is too great and may lead to a reduction in the planting of one of our native trees. It has been stated that cooler temperatures and wetter summers may favour some strains of the disease, and following the conditions which prevailed during the summer months and the identification of the disease, we must be conscious of the symptoms of the disease to avoid further cases. I urge all organisations to continue their awareness campaign and to focus on landowners and rural dwellers who pass by hedgerows and forests every day and would be in a position to identify changes in the ash population more easily.