Ash hurley-makers, Coillte and representatives from the forestry sector have been briefed on the outbreak of a new disease in ash trees.
Minister of State for Food, Horticulture and Food Safety Shane McEntee met the groups to discuss the detection of ash dieback disease (Chalara fraxinea) in Co Leitrim last week. It is a deadly fungus that has had a devastating impact on ash tree populations across Europe.
Emergency measures have been put in place to protect Ireland’s ash trees following the discovery, which is thought to be linked to a consignment of young trees imported from Europe. Mr McEntee said other ash plants from the consignment related to the outbreak were being destroyed.
The Irish Guild of Ash Hurleymakers is concerned the transfer of the disease to Ireland could devastate their industry.