Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
779. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide update on efforts to reduce and eliminate rhododendron ponticum; if he will introduce incentives to eradicate the plant on moorland that pays house owners in moorland areas to replace rhododendron ponticum hedges with non-invasive species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28408/23]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, both of which prohibit activities to introduce or spread invasive species.
My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) continues to invest heavily in and is committed to tackling the spread of invasive species across our network of National Parks, most particularly Rhododendron ponticum, the control of which is difficult, costly, and labour intensive. The NPWS carries out an annual targeted programme of works to manage the spread of Rhododendron ponticum. The multifaceted programme includes, monitoring, surveillance, clearance, investigation, review, volunteer and contractor work groups and programmes.
However, my Department does not provide specific funding for homeowners or landowners to manage invasive alien species on their land. Under the current legislative framework, responsibility for managing invasive alien species rests with the landowner.
