Brendan Griffin
Question:373. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding efforts to control Japanese knotweed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17265/14]
View answerTuesday, 15 April 2014
Questions (373)
Written answers
Japanese knotweed was first introduced to Ireland over 100 years ago. It forms dense thickets along roadsides, waste-grounds and waterways, reproduces by vegetative means and is difficult to kill off once it becomes established. This plant is included among the list of the 100 most invasive alien species of the world. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has been working with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to fund and manage the Invasive Species Ireland Project since 2006. This initiative provides advice and guidance on the management of a range of invasive species, including the species referred to, which can negatively impact on the environment and on property on the island of Ireland. This project is expected to be renewed in partnership with NIEA later this year.
Information on the distribution of the knotweed is available on the invasive species section of the National Biodiversity Data Centre website at http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/
Best Practice Management Guidelines for Japanese Knotwood have been published and can be accessed on the project website at www.invasivespeciesireland.com. These guidelines provide practical advice to persons and organisations, including local authorities, on the removal and disposal of Japanese Knotweed. When dealing with Japanese Knotweed, it is critical to ensure that any viable rhizomes, the main means by which the plant spreads, are not given the chance to escape into the wider environment.
I should also point out that the National Roads Authority has produced guidelines that can assist local authorities on “The Management of Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive Plant Species on National Roads” , which includes a section on the treatment of Japanese Knotweed.
The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 includes provisions in relation to controlling the possession and dispersal of ecologically harmful and invasive species of animals and plants, including Japanese Knotweed. Regulation 50 of the Regulations, which include provisions relating to the banning for sale of invasive species listed in the Schedule to the Regulations, is not yet in effect. It is necessary for risk assessments to be carried out on those invasive species which are subject to trade before this element of the Regulations can be brought into force. The risk assessments are presently ongoing and I expect to be in a position to bring the relevant provisions into force during the summer.