Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
184. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action being taken to support biodiversity protection in the Cooley mountains; the supports for landowners to eliminate bracken from the mountains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17662/26]
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 introduction and spread of invasive alien species.
Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a native species to Ireland. It is not categorized as an invasive alien species, although is very abundant and can be a nuisance species in some habitats where it may dominate. This tends to happen on mountainside (acidic moorland), field/pasture boundaries and open woodlands. The different methods to control bracken are cutting, burning, crushing/tramping, spraying and soil fertility.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is responsible for the regulation of specific noxious weeds under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936, with updated 2025 legislation. Key noxious weeds include ragwort, creeping thistle, spear thistle, docks, and blackgrass. Designation of plants as noxious weeds is a matter for that Department.
