Niamh Smyth
Question:327. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update by his Department to combat Japanese knotweed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52182/23]
View answerTuesday, 28 November 2023
Questions (327)
Written answers
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, both of which prohibit the spreading of invasive species.
There is a legislative framework in place for dealing with invasive alien species, including Japanese Knotweed. Public bodies, Government Departments and State agencies throughout the country work within this framework, in the context of species listed both nationally and on the list of invasive alien species of European Union concern (the Union list), to manage, control and, where practicable, eradicate these species.
Under this legislative framework, responsibility for dealing with invasive alien species rests with the landowner. Much of the work in tackling Japanese Knotweed happens at local level and is carried out by local authorities in their areas through their own biodiversity action plans.
My Department is currently leading on the development of a National Management Plan for Invasive Alien Species. This Plan, an important Programme for Government measure, has been drafted with a steering committee of national experts from Government Departments, agencies, local authorities and representative groups. Wider stakeholder engagement workshops were held recently in Dublin and in Limerick, and the draft Plan is now being readied for the public consultation stage in the new year.