Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
334. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is another scheme to help farmers to carry out work on land that is overgrown with rhododendrons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36825/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have a specific scheme for the removal of Rhododendron ponticum. I am advised by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that responsibility for the control of invasive alien species (IAS), such as Rhododendron rests with the landowner and that Department does not have any scheme for its removal.
My Department funds European Innovation Programme (EIP) projects, one of which is based in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, managed by the South Kerry Development Partnership CLG. Part of the work of this EIP is training participant farmers to deal with occurrences of this plant on their own land.
The Project has been working with local landowners in the area to manage the Rhododendron and prevent the loss of protected heath and bog habitats and grazing lands to this and other invasive species. On 21st June last I announced ACRES, a €1.5 billion agri-environment scheme which builds on the learnings of the current successful EIPs and, using a habitats-based approach aims to contribute significantly to long-term environmental improvement. Following a public procurement process, South Kerry Development Partnership have been awarded the contract for the management of the one of the eight project areas proposed for the ACRES Co-operation approach, and they are now developing Local Action Plans for the West Cork and Kerry area and engaging with farmers and advisers in that locality. The management of IAS will form part of those Local Action Plans where appropriate. You will also no doubt be aware that all 31 Local Authorities have received funding under the National Biodiversity Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme, which is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Queries related to same should be directed to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
