I am aware that there is a growing public awareness and concern about the impact of invasive species here, including Japanese Knotweed. In this regard, I wish to advise that my Department is responsible for the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011), both of which prohibit the spreading of invasive species.
In general, control of invasive species such as Japanese knotweed is a matter for landowners, and my Department carries out considerable work on control of such species in National Parks and Nature Reserves. For example, work was undertaken over many years to deal with the rhododendron threat in Killarney National Park. My Department does not however have the resources required to extend such work into urban areas or the wider countryside and is not in a position to provide dedicated funds for such work to other bodies.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department worked with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to fund and manage the Invasive Species Ireland Project between 2006 and 2103. This initiative provides advice and guidance on the management of a range of invasive species, including the Japanese Knotweed.
Best Practice Management Guidelines for Japanese knotweed have been published and can be accessed on the project website at www.invasivespeciesireland.com. These guidelines provide practical advice to persons and organisations, including local authorities, on the removal and disposal of these species.
In addition, my Department is currently supporting the development of a Japanese Knotweed protocol for Ireland. A number of agencies, including the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC), Inland Fisheries Ireland and the National Roads Authority are involved in drafting the protocol which it is to be completed next year. I am aware too that a number of local authorities are already carrying out control programmes for problem species including Japanese knotweed.
