New approach to tackling invasive species in Ireland announced
A new approach to tackling invasive species in Ireland has been announced today (Tuesday, May 19) by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan.
The minister has announced a new partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) which will establish an Invasive Species Bureau.
He has also published a new strategic approach for managing any future occurrence of the Asian hornet in Ireland.
Invasive species
Examples of invasive species found in Ireland include Rhododendron ponticum, North American mink and Japanese knotweed.
Launching the new bureau at the NBDC in Co. Waterford, Minister O’Sullivan said: "Left unchecked, invasive species are a major threat to nature and a threat to livelihoods.
"Our response to managing them must be based on early detection, public awareness, and collaboration – and backed by science.
"This was the approach that we took last year when we successfully identified and removed two Asian hornet nests from the Cork area."
He said that the new Invasive Species Bureau will "strengthen our approach to managing the Asian hornet and other invasives that threaten our native species and habitats".
"One of my top priorities for the bureau will be to develop an Invasive Species Management Strategy, and support its implementation," Minister O'Sullivan said.
"This will provide us with solid data, coordinate key agencies and stakeholders, and unlock the power of citizen science so that we can spot these species early and stop them from spreading.
"This approach has proven highly effective in other countries, and will ensure that we meet our obligations in Ireland and the EU to tackle these species and bring them under control."
Threat to biodiversity
Invasive species pose a threat to biodiversity as they damage native species of plants and wildlife.
They have a significant impact across sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, transport and tourism.
The Invasive Species Bureau formalises the partnership between the NPWS and the NBDC to support implementation of EU regulations on invasive species, and to strengthen Ireland’s approach to managing them.
Asian hornet roadmap
In addition today, Minister O'Sullivan has published the 'Rapid response model for the Asian hornet in Ireland - a strategic approach'.
This is a new roadmap that will coordinate efforts to ensure the Asian hornet doesn’t take hold in Ireland.
The Asian hornet, native to Southeast Asia, has spread through continental Europe since its accidental introduction in France in 2004.
It poses a major ecological risk to native pollinators. A single nest can devastate local honey bee populations.
“We remain vigilant about the Asian hornet given the threat it poses to native pollinators," Minister O'Sullivan said.
"This roadmap does just that - it ensures that we are well-prepared to prevent it from gaining a foothold in Ireland.
"Each step within this roadmap – from early detection, through to investigation, eradication strategy and deployment of all control measures – is based on the best available scientific evidence."
The minister said that the public plays an important role in the early warning system too.
He is urging people to report suspected sightings of the Asian hornet along with other invasive species through an enhanced online portal.
Data and evidence
John McCarthy, chairperson of the NBDC, said that an effective response to invasive species "requires data and evidence at its heart, and greater national coordination of the key agencies delivering on the ground actions".
"We are very pleased to be supporting NPWS in the delivery of this important work, drawing on the scientific and technical expertise of the NBDC," he said.
"Contributing to improved national coordination of evidence-based actions will slow the rate of introduction of new invasive species and limit their negative impact on our native species and habitats.”
New strategy
Niall Ó Donnchú, director general of the NPWS, added that this partnership with the NBDC "demonstrates our commitment to protecting our high-value nature areas and native species and will ensure that we meet our national and EU obligations".
Representatives from both signed a memorandum of understanding which sets out the objectives, terms and scope of the work to be undertaken by the Invasive Species Bureau.
With the new bureau in place, work will now begin on a National Invasive Species Management Strategy for Ireland.
