Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
678. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the highly effective rhododendron removal campaign run by an organisation (details supplied) for over three decades in Killarney National Park was ended by National Parks and Wildlife Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14910/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra680. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that are being taken to address the issue of rhododendron infestation in Killarney National Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14935/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 678 and 680 together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which is part of my Department, continues to invest heavily in and is committed to tackling the spread of invasive species across our network of National Parks. In particular, the control of Rhododendron ponticum is difficult, costly, and labour intensive, but is seen as a vital priority. The NPWS carries out an annual targeted programme of works across a number of sites to manage the spread and the multi-faceted programme includes, monitoring, surveillance, clearance, investigation, review, volunteer and contractor work groups and programmes.
Rhododendron has indeed been a major factor causing degradation of habitats in Killarney National Park. Efforts have been ongoing in the last 40-50 years with a variety of partners in order to tackle this issue and in this period a tremendous amount of work has been carried out by volunteers, contractors and staff. Despite these efforts there is still a lot of work to do. The effects of Rhododendron ponticum is well documented both in Killarney National Park and also in other sites across Ireland and the UK.
The method of treatment has changed and evolved over the years and the current method developed in Killarney National Park is considered to be the be the most suitable solution at this time. The current approach adopted at Killarney National Park is as follows:
1. Rhodo monitoring: the Park is divided into zones, these zones include woodland, wet and dry heath and blanket bog. The results of this monitoring allow staff to develop a strategy for treatment, picking areas for prioritising work.
2. Rhodo review: the NPWS commissioned a review and this will set a strategy for rhododendron ponticum into the future. One recommendation from this review was to develop management plans for each zone. Staff at Killarney National Park are currently developing draft plans.
3. Rhodo treatment: treatment of rhododendron ponticum is continuous, with work underway in the western woods. These areas will be resurveyed next year. Following the results, it is expected that the NPWS will be able to classify a large area as being in a “maintenance” phase.
4. In the last 5 years there has been approximately €2.7m spent on Rhododendron management at Killarney National Park between treatment and monitoring. There has been close to 2000 acres of area treated.
5. In the next 5 years there will be a continued effort to move zones in follow up phase to maintenance phase. All zones will be monitored to ensure that maintenance status is ensured.Just as the methodology employed to control rhododendron ponticum has evolved over the years, so too have the groups, contractors and individuals involved in these efforts. This is something that the NPWS expects will continue to evolve across all our sites into the future.
