Holly Cairns
Question:90. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ban the sale of rhododendron ponticum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26733/23]
View answerWednesday, 31 May 2023
Questions (90)
Written answers
Regulation 49(2) of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 makes it an offence to disperse, allow or cause to disperse, spread or otherwise cause to grow any plant, including Rhododendron ponticum, listed in Part 1 of the Third Schedule to those Regulations.
Occasional reports on the presence of invasive alien species in retail outlets and garden centres have been brought to my attention. My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) 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. The NPWS does not monitor trade in garden centres, but focuses on raising awareness of invasive alien species and the threats they pose to our native biodiversity. Moreover, where the NPWS is made aware of the 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 such 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. The Plan will incorporate measures to increase public awareness of invasive alien species and also to put a range of biosecurity measures in place to tackle the introduction and spread of such species.