Our island status and enforcement of forest plant health regulations ensure that Ireland’s forests are the healthiest in Europe. However, this claim has been tested in recent years. The introduction of ash dieback illustrated that – by accident or design – Ireland is vulnerable to harmful forest pests and diseases.

So when there is a massive outbreak of bark beetle across central Europe, Ireland needs to be on red alert. The larger eight-toothed European spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, is the root cause of the damage. Worryingly for Ireland, this beetle has just been discovered in England for the first time.

Ips typographus

Austria, France, Benelux countries northern Italy and Germany in particular, experienced the “perfect storm” last year for bark beetle attacks. Wind damage coupled with prolonged drought provided the ideal environment for massive beetle infestations, resulting in an estimated 40m m3 of damaged wood.

These countries have dramatically increased their harvest to avoid wood degrade and further spread of the beetle. As a result, they have had to increase exports to the UK and Ireland.

So should Ireland be worried about the bark beetle and other harmful agents? Minister Andrew Doyle believes so, highlighting the need for vigilance during the launch of the ‘Don’t Risk It’ campaign.

DAFM role

It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure wood imports meet the specific requirements. However, imports of sawn wood by Irish processors and manufacturers are being monitored at the point of entry by DAFM Forest Service inspectors, to prevent an introduction of bark beetles.

“In recognition of our pest free status from six harmful bark beetles including Ips typographus, Ireland has protected zone status recognised by the Plant Health Directive (Council Directive 2000/29/EC) ,” a DAFM spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal. “For these harmful pests, Ireland imposes stricter import requirements than would apply outside protected zones within the EU.”

He said this specifically applies to coniferous wood with bark, which cannot be imported into Ireland from any EU countries including Germany and Austria unless:

  • It is accompanied by an Official Statement to say the wood originates from an area known to be free from the pest.
  • The wood is free of bark .
  • The wood has been kiln dried to less than 20% moisture content (MC) and is marked “KD”.
  • “Under the EU internal markets regime, goods coming into Ireland from within the EU are not subject to customs clearance but are monitored by DAFM forestry inspectorate to ensure Ireland’s Protected Zone requirements are met,” the DAFM spokesperson continued.

    “In this regard DAFM forest health inspectors work closely with importers in inspecting commodities such as roundwood, sawnwood, wood packaging material (WPM), pallets, crates and dunnage, originating in the EU, to ensure the relevant import requirements are satisfied.

    “Where non-compliances are detected, appropriate action is taken which routinely means destruction of the wood product at the importer’s expense. DAFM works with importers to ensure that repeat non-compliances are avoided.”

    The spokesperson also pointed out that “regulated third country (non-EU) wood products are subject to custom’s control and a mandatory phytosanitary inspection before they can be cleared for entry”.

    In addition to port inspections DAFM continues to engage extensively with the forestry sector “in the roll-out of a wider understanding of forest health explaining and emphasising import and export controls in the context of the possible introduction of harmful forest pests and diseases,” maintained the DAFM spokesperson.

    Free forestry festival

    This Sunday, the Western Forestry Co-operative is organising the Woodland Festival in Killegar, Carrigallen, close to the Cavan border in south Leitrim. The event will take place in Killegar Wood, which is an ideal setting as it mixes contemporary forestry with woodland lore and heritage.

    Marina Conway, Western Forestry Co-op, the organisers of the Woodland Festival in Killegar, Co Leitrim on Sunday, pictured here with Kenny McCauley of McAuley Wood Fuels who will be demonstrating wood chip production for renewable energy. \ Donal Magner

    “The festival is an outdoor event, that will celebrate all that’s good about trees and woodlands, and what’s more it’s free,” says Marina Conway, CEO of Western Forestry, the co-op that promotes farm forestry.

    This is a fun-filled day of demonstrations, woodland walks, talks and activities.

    “Above all, it’s a time to switch off from our busy lives and enjoy being surrounded by

    While the emphasis is on fun, forestry will be a serious part of the day, as local wood based businesses showcase timber products such as doors, fencing, decking, garden furniture, sheds, gates and wood fuel like wood chip and firewood logs.

    Here you can see the McCauleys providing wood chip demos, as well meeting the people behind Masonite, Crowes, McMorrow Haulage, McHugh Stakes and many more.

    If you’re thinking about planting, there is information on species, tax, income, continuous cover forestry and establishing native woodlands.

    Around the estate there is a wide range of events including:

  • Woodland walk covering tree identification, woodland mycology (mushrooms) and woodland scavenger hunts.
  • Live demonstrations such as woodland improvement operations, small-scale timber extraction, tree planting, conifer thinning, high pruning, mobile sawmilling and hurley ash production.
  • Games for kids (pinball, Connect 4 and woodland snakes and ladders) as well as woodland music.
  • Craftspeople will be there to provide demonstrations on wood turning, hazel wattle fencing, charcoal making and basket weaving.
  • The event begins at midday “so arrive early to get the full flavour of the festival” says Marina. For further information and directions call 071-9161458 or check out Western Forestry (www.facebook.com/westernforestrycoop.ie) and festival (www.woodlandfestival.ie) websites or tweet (www.twitter.com/westforestcoop).