Seán Haughey
Question:316. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to tackle invasive species and the biodiversity threat they pose. [18557/23]
View answerThursday, 18 May 2023
Questions (316)
Written answers
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 activities to introduce or spread invasive species. In addition to national legislation, EU Regulation 1143/2014 on Invasive Alien Species also provides for a range of concerted EU wide measures to be taken with respect to listed species of Union concern (the 'Union list').
Public bodies, Government Departments and State agencies throughout the country work within this legislative 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.
The development of a national management plan for invasive alien species is a priority in my Department and work is well underway on establishing such a plan. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is leading on this and has convened a steering committee to help further develop a draft plan for public consultation later this year.
My Department also provides funding annually for local authority led projects to tackle invasive alien species in their areas through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. This year grants of €517,966 have been awarded to 23 Local Authorities who are carrying out projects on invasive alien species.
In the meantime, the NPWS continues to lead on implementation of the EU IAS Regulation, including the recent publication of Priority Pathway Action Plans for Angling and for Recreational Boating. A third pathway action plan, for Soil and Spoil, went for public consultation earlier this month.