Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2022
346. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that invasive plant species are readily available to buy in garden centres without warnings; the efforts that are being carried out by his Department to engage in biosecurity; if biosecurity legislation is being considered in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38838/22]
View answerRegulation 49(2) of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI 477/2011) makes it an offence to disperse, allow or cause to disperse, spread or otherwise cause to grow any plant which is included in Part 1 of the Third Schedule to those Regulations.
I am aware of occasional reports of the presence of invasive alien species in garden centres.
My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) does not monitor trade in garden centres. However, the NPWS does undertake awareness raising around invasive alien species to help the public and business owners understand the threats posed to our native biodiversity. Furthermore, where the NPWS is made aware of trade of invasive alien species, immediate action is taken to minimise any potential harm of such trade.
New legislation dealing with invasive alien species is at an advanced stage. This legislation will strengthen the legislative framework dealing with invasive alien species, particularly with regard to those listed species identified as being in trade.
Finally, in the Programme for Government, there is a commitment to develop and implement a National Management Plan for Invasive Alien Species. Work is currently underway on the Plan and although at an early stage of development, it will incorporate measures to increase awareness of invasive alien species among the public and also to put a range of biosecurity measures in place to tackle the introduction and spread of such species.
