The Irish Farmers' Association has called for a total ban on potato imports until the full extent of an outbreak of BRR in Britain is known.
Ireland has never had a case or Ring Rot.
John Sheridan, IFA potato committee chairman, said all potato imports must be stopped until proper sampling procedures are put in place. This should occur in places where loads entering Ireland are tested and cleared before reaching their destination.
But a Department of Agriculture spokesman said under European Union rules, Ireland can't take unilateral action to restrict trade.