Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2007
310 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to announce a date for the banning of the sale of the invasive weed lagarosiphon major here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23098/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraLagarosiphon major, also known as the curly-leaved pondweed, is a native of southern Africa. It has been widely sold for many years as an oxygenating plant for garden ponds and aquaria. However, it is now viewed as a major threat to Irish lakes and their associated wildlife since it became established in Lough Corrib in 2005.
Section 52(6)(a) of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) provides for regulations prohibiting the possession or introduction of any species of wild flora which may be detrimental to native species. Work is under way in my Department in preparing regulations as part of a range of measures being taken on an all-Ireland basis to address the threat posed by a number of invasive plant and animal species.
