Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2025
338. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details on plans to clear Cherry Laurel from the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62697/25]
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.
Prior to 2025, the NPWS removed approximately 4 hectares of Cherry Laurel from the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve. Following on from those works, in 2025 the remaining infestation of Cherry Laurel located on the Eastern side of the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve, totalling an additional c. 1.5 ha in size, was treated.
As part of the works in 2025, the previously treated areas were also re-examined with a view to retreating as necessary in order to continue to control the infestation. The treatment was confirmed to have been very effective, resulting in very limited regrowth in those areas previously treated and thus required only limited retreatment.
In addition to these successes, a woodland management plan is currently in preparation for the Nature Reserve with the remaining Cherry Laurel on the Western side of the reserve being mapped and assessed. Following this, the Cherry Laurel there will likewise be treated on a phased basis annually over the coming years. As part of this ongoing management process and future planning, the NPWS also intends to liaise with adjoining landowners who may have Cherry Laurel on their lands in order to assist in addressing the risk of re-infestation of the Nature Reserve once the current infestation of Cherry Laurel is removed.
