Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
776. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details on plans to ensure that cherry laurel which has been removed from the Glen of the Downs does not regrow in areas that have been cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1285/25]
View answer777. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details on when the work to eradicate all remaining cherry laurel from the Glen of the Downs will take place; the costs associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1286/25]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department prioritises the ongoing management and eradication of invasive species as part of its conservation role, dedicating a significant level of its resources to these management activities each year.
NPWS has to date removed approximately 4 hectares of Cherry Laurel from the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve. The remaining approx 1 to 2 hectares are to be removed in 2025, along with re-treating any of the previous 4 hectares as required. The work to date has already significantly transformed the structure of the woodland from a conservation viewpoint.
