Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 October 2014
36. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures currently in place to prevent and manage the introduction and spread of invasive alien species into Irish wildlife. [40050/14]
View answerThe European Communities (Habitats and Birds) Regulations 2011 make it an offence to release or allow the spread or dispersal of invasive alien species listed in the Regulations. In addition, I expect to be able soon to bring Regulation 50 of these Regulations into effect, which deals with the sale of invasive species. In this regard, my Department has been carrying out risk assessments of those species which may currently be traded but which are considered to be invasive. My Department is active in the control of invasive species on its own land, for example through the control of rhododendron in National Parks and also through supporting local efforts, where appropriate. Inland Fisheries Ireland has been very active in recent years in prevention and control of aquatic invasive species. The National Roads Authority has produced guidelines, which can assist local authorities, on “The Management of Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive Plant Species on National Roads”.
Combating and eradication of invasive species are key targets in the National Biodiversity Plan “Actions for Biodiversity 2011 - 2016” and the EU Biodiversity Strategy. My Department has also worked 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 which can negatively impact on the environment and on property on the island of Ireland.
Information on the distribution of invasive species can be found on the National Biodiversity Data Centre website at http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/
My Department will continue its efforts to engage with stakeholders and work to the prevention of escape of invasive species into the Irish environment, as well as enhancement of measures for control and eradication, where necessary.
In should be noted that a new EU “Regulation on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species” will also commence in January 2015, although many of its provisions will not take effect until the following year.
My Department will commence the development of policy in relation to the implementation of this Regulation, in conjunction with other relevant public authorities and stakeholders, over the coming months.
