Ireland’s forests benefit from the country’s island status, relatively young forest estate and long-standing import controls. However, forest health in Ireland faces growing pressure from international trade, climate change and the movement of plants, wood and forestry products.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s forest health programme on gov.ie provides guidance for landowners, forestry businesses, professional operators and the public. Its aim is to reduce the risk of harmful pests and diseases entering or spreading across the country.
Forest health in Ireland and emerging threats
Ireland does not experience the full range of pests and diseases found across mainland Europe, but serious outbreaks have occurred. Ash dieback disease, caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, has affected ash trees, while Phytophthora ramorum can damage or kill infected plants and trees.
Globalisation and changing climatic conditions may create more favourable conditions for pests to arrive, survive and spread. Maintaining strong plant health biosecurity therefore requires action from government agencies, forestry professionals, traders, landowners and the public.
Practical steps for the public
- Buy plants from trusted Irish or approved suppliers.
- Do not bring plants, flowers, fruit or seeds home from overseas holidays unless permitted.
- Clean footwear and equipment after visiting forests or woodland.
- Report suspected quarantine pests or diseases through the relevant Department channels.
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Plant health rules for forestry traders
Forestry businesses may be classified as Professional Operators under Regulation (EU) 2016/2031. Depending on their activities, they may need to register with the Department, meet plant health obligations and obtain authorisation to issue Plant Passports.
The rules cover forestry plants, wood and wood products, including imports from countries outside the EU and exports requiring a Phytosanitary Certificate. Traders are advised to check current notices regularly because requirements can change.
What professional operators should check
- Whether registration for plant health is required.
- Whether the business must become an Authorised Operator.
- Whether Plant Passports are needed for plants being moved or sold.
- Whether imported materials require inspection, notification or certification.
- Whether staff have completed the relevant competency assessment.
For those authorised to issue Plant Passports, the competency assessment has an 80% pass mark. Applicants need the operator’s company name, email address and Plant Health Registration number.
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EU legislation and Ireland’s biosecurity system
Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 strengthened plant health protections by focusing on high-risk plants, priority pests, registered operators, protected zones and Plant Passports. Official controls on imports are also addressed under Regulation (EU) 2017/625. In Ireland, these measures are implemented through S.I. No. 459/2020.
The Department’s Forest Health News service provides updates for stakeholders, including notices concerning imported species, forestry machinery, professional operator registration and pest discoveries. Keeping up to date is essential for businesses working across the forestry supply chain.
Frequently asked questions
Why is forest health important in Ireland?
Healthy forests support biodiversity, rural economies and climate resilience. Preventing pest introductions is generally more effective than managing an established outbreak.
Who regulates forest plant health?
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the principal authority providing Ireland’s forest health guidance and regulatory information.
What should I do if I suspect a forest pest?
Use the Department’s official reporting guidance for quarantine tree, forest pest or disease concerns, and avoid moving potentially infected plant material.
The key takeaway: forest health in Ireland depends on vigilance throughout the supply chain and in everyday outdoor activity. Following gov.ie guidance, maintaining clean equipment and meeting trader registration and Plant Passport obligations can help protect Ireland’s forests from preventable threats.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
