Sports Facilities

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Ceisteanna (755)

Emer Currie

Ceist:

755. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the presence of anguina pacificae in golf clubs across Ireland; whether his Department has engaged with the Department of Culture; Communications and Sport and the relevant sporting bodies to create a strategy to prevent this parasite from spreading to other courses; whether supports exist to help clubs with mitigation strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45823/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Anguina pacifica is a nematode and an established pest of turf grass. The species is not regulated under EU Plant Health Regulations and therefore my Department has no regulatory function regarding this pest. Accordingly, my Department has not engaged with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in respect of Anguina pacifica.

Anguina pacifica is spread through the movement of contaminated soil and plant debris. The control of this pest is a management and biosecurity issue for the sector. Industry experts are best placed to support the sector in developing management and mitigation strategies.