The announcement was made after suspected cases were identified at a fourth farm in Co Down.

An Taisce said the decision is 'shocking', and, in response, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon invited them to go out to a derogation farm with him.

The high risk period for avian influenza runs from October until April

The Minister for Agriculture has issued housing orders for all poultry and captive birds

"Whatever role I’m asked to serve in, at any stage in the next Dail, by Simon Harris I’ll be happy to take that on, and do my very best for the country”