FEARS are growing over Donegal ash trees as a killer disease which is wiping out plantations across Europe was detected in the North.
The deadly Ash Dieback tree disease – caused by the Chalara fraxinea fungus was identified in imported young saplings at five sites in Co Down and Co Antrim last night.
Statutory notices have been served on owners of the plantations requiring the destruction of about 5,000 affected ash saplings.
Other sites are also being investigated as part of an continuing surveillance programme.
Similar outbreaks were found in Leitrim just three weeks ago.
They were discovered in imported saplings – and 33,000 trees destroyed to prevent its spread.
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