National Parks and Wildlife Service

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Questions (572)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

572. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Service will confirm the presence of invasive Canadian pondweed (elodea sp.) in Lough Corrib SAC, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63189/25]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

A database of records of invasive alien species in Ireland is maintained by the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC). The NBDC database (maps.biodiversityireland.ie) contains records of Canadian pondweed (Elodea canadensis) present throughout the State, including in the Lough Corrib SAC since 1985.

This species was first recorded in Ireland in the late 19th Century and is considered widespread. It is included on the list of invasive alien species of national concern as outlined in SI 374 of 2024.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), which is under the aegis of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, is responsible for the management of our lakes and rivers. IFI carries out regular work to manage a range of invasive alien species in various locations, including in Lough Corrib.