Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
405. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to list all sporting/recreational clubs in County Galway that the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) has directly engaged with since 2020, regarding the threat of non-piscine invasive species to the ecology of Lough Corrib SAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16164/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 spreading of invasive species.
My Department engages with local authorities, stakeholders and national representative bodies across a range of policy areas, including invasive alien species. The role of the NPWS is implementation of the legislative framework around invasive alien species on a national level. The NPWS does not have the resources available to engage with each individual sports club in local areas across the country where invasive alien species may be present.
European and national legislation around invasive alien species is in place and easily accessible online. The National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) hosts an important online resource, www.invasives.ie, which brings together a range of awareness raising materials, guidelines, plans and regulatory information in one place.
Individuals, of course, are welcome to contact my Department with any queries they may have around invasive alien species in their area or indeed, relating to the applicable legislation and their responsibilities under this legislation.
