Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
164 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the spread of the grey squirrel, at the expense of the red squirrel, is having a negative impact on forestry development and biodiversity. [17549/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware the grey squirrel poses a potential threat to broadleaf forests. I have set up a working group within the Department to monitor the numbers and make recommendations for control of grey squirrel populations in afforested areas.
Grey squirrels are currently found throughout most of the area east of a line from Derry to Cork city and they are expanding their range. The species is regarded as a pest in forests as it feeds on the buds, flowers and seeds of trees. However, its greatest impact is when it strips the bark from the branches and stems of broadleaf trees, particularly those with light bark, aged between 10 and 40 years. The grey squirrel poses a significant threat to those broadleaf crops planted since 1995.
From a biodiversity viewpoint the grey squirrel forces the native red squirrel out of those forests it colonises. In addition it can damage the biodiversity of our native woodlands by reducing the seed production capacity of high forest species thereby over time changing their status to scrub.
