Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
205. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to urgently provide a significant allocation of funding to Kerry County Council to allow them to treat/eradicate Japanese Knotweed which is spiralling out of control across the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10920/26]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as well as the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024, all of which prohibit the introduction and spread of invasive species.
Control of invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed is a legal obligation for landowners. My Department carries out considerable work on controlling invasive species in National Parks and Nature Reserve. Funding is available to Local Authorities to manage invasive species as a measure to support the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in urban areas and the wider countryside through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, which is delivered through my Department. Furthermore, the Deputy will be aware that Ireland is currently developing its Nature Restoration Plan, as required under the EU Nature Restoration Law. It is my intention to develop new schemes that support public and private landowners to meet these objectives, which may include the removal of invasive species.
