Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
347. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there has been an independent scientific review of the rhododendron ponticum clearance methods currently being used by Killarney National Park; and if those methods have been compared for effectiveness with previous methods employed by a company (details supplied). [15221/20]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) sought to undertake an expert Peer Review of Rhododendron ponticum and the programmes and measures for its control in Killarney National Park. Overseas experts were invited to participate in this independent scientific review. Despite agreement to participate from an independent overseas expert, it has subsequently not proved possible for him to undertake the review. Consequently, the NPWS contracted an expert environmental company to undertake part 1 and 2 of this review. This work is now under way. The NPWS is open, and indeed is expecting, that the review will look at all relevant methods, issues and approaches, including that of the group mentioned by the Deputy.
