Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide a public awareness and education campaign in the identification of ash dieback and remediation steps to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53520/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Since chalara fraxinea, the fungus which causes ash dieback, was first detected in Ireland in October 2012, my Department has issued several Press Releases to inform the public about the disease. Information is also available on the Department’s website, including information on the symptoms of the disease and contact information for anyone who believes they may have infected trees. A poster providing information about the disease is currently being distributed for display in the offices of my Department, Teagasc, Coillte and NPWS throughout the country, as well as other relevant private sector offices. In addition, the Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Shane McEntee, has had a number of meetings with representatives of the forest industry in relation to this disease, including forest nurseries, hurley makers, forest owner organisations, professional foresters and forestry contractors. This week, my Department provided training to Coillte staff and registered private foresters on how to recognise chalara fraxinea infected ash trees in winter months. It is envisaged that these measures will provide forest owners and managers with the knowledge and skills to identify the symptoms of the disease and allow for early intervention. In terms of remediating forests affected by chalara fraxinea, my Department is examining the options available for re-establishing those forests and restoring them to their condition prior to the outbreak of this disease.