Scotland has imposed new restrictions on timber exports to Ireland in a bid to stop the spread of deadly tree pests.
Scottish Forestry confirmed it is working closely with the Governments of Northern Ireland and the Republic to introduce measures to “reduce the risks posed by the giant spruce beetle, Dendroctonus micans”.
This pest, discovered in Scotland, targets spruce and pine trees by tunneling into the bark and laying its eggs underneath.
The larvae that emerge from the eggs eat the inner woody layer, weakening the tree and even causing it to die.
The giant spruce beetle has not yet been found in Ireland or Northern Ireland.
Scotland’s new restrictions are aimed at keeping Ireland pest-free while continuing to export Scottish timber to Ireland.
Currently, the only timber exported to Ireland comes from the western Pest Control Area (PFA) of Scotland.
Under the new regulations, a 35-kilometre buffer zone will be established around discoveries of the D. micans bark beetle.
Under the new measures, spruce timber traveling from Scotland to Ireland will only be allowed to pass through the buffer zone between October 1st and March 31st, outside of the beetle season.
Also, during this period, timber should not be stored in the buffer zone and can be loaded at the port.
The giant spruce bark beetle, Dendroctonus micans, targets spruce and pine trees by tunneling into the bark and depositing its eggs underneath.Forestry Scotland also said that phytosanitary (plant export) certificates confirming that coniferous wood is free of citrus mites will not be issued within 35 kilometers of where the beetles were found.
“In both the west of Scotland and the island of Ireland, the citrus leaf beetle and many other bark beetles remain pest-free,” said James Knott, head of tree health at Forestry Scotland.
“It is important that both countries are able to maintain this long-held position to enable trade to continue.”
He added: “In Scotland, the D. micans bark beetle is gradually approaching the boundaries of the PFA.
“Although the beetle has not been found within the PFA, it is no longer possible to guarantee that all areas are free of this beetle.
“As a precautionary measure, risk mitigation measures must be put in place to maintain the health of the PFA in the rest of the west of Scotland.
“This measure will allow trade to continue from the rest of the PFA.
“However, if the beetle infestation continues, the long-term outlook is that the PFA area in the west of Scotland will shrink and eventually close.”
Irish Minister for Agriculture, Senator Pippa Hackett, welcomed the news.
“My department has been working closely with the Scottish authorities for several months to arrive at an outcome that protects Ireland’s forests. “Therefore, the removal of spruce logs from parts of the western part of Scotland’s pest free areas. These new restrictions on movement are a positive step ‘in maintaining Ireland’s protected area status for certain forestry pests,’ she said.
She added: “My department will discuss these new measures in detail with our Scottish counterparts, with the overall aim of ensuring that pest-free areas remain healthy and Ireland’s forests are protected.” “I have done so,” he added.
The Minister made it clear that the bark beetle situation in Scotland remains a “concern” for Ireland.
“The presence of Dendroctnos micans in Scotland is of great concern,” she says.
“My department’s priority has always been to ensure that imported goods are free of pests, so we have now taken these additional measures to reduce the areas within the Scottish PFA where logs can be exported to Ireland. It’s the right time.”
Minister Harkett added:
“New measures will result in further phytosanitary certificates for the movement of spruce logs to the island of Ireland from areas within the PFA that fall within the 35km buffer zone imposed around the latest discoveries of D. mandarin. It is guaranteed that it will no longer be issued.”
“This is an important step. My department will continue to closely monitor the situation in Scotland and take all necessary steps to ensure that Ireland’s forestry industry is protected.”
