EPA - Ireland's Environment 2016 - An Assessment

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Ireland’s Environment – An Assessment 2016 56
Invasive Alien Species
Deliberate or accidental introduction of species can
have a negative impact on the economy, wildlife or
habitats and require a national response.
Invasive alien species are species that have been introduced
to the island of Ireland, deliberately or accidentally, by
humans and have a negative impact on the economy,
wildlife or habitats. The Invasive Species Ireland project
was a joint venture between the NIEA and NPWS that co-
ordinated Ireland’s activities in relation to IAS. The project
is no longer operating but the website4 remains live. There
is a need for a co-ordinated and centralised all-island
approach for tackling IAS to be re-established.
Regulations on the prevention and management of the
introduction and spread of IAS came into force in the
EU in 2015 (Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014; EU, 2014).
These regulations seek to protect native biodiversity and
ecosystem services from damage caused by IAS, as well
as minimising and mitigating the effects they can have on
human health and the economy.
The Regulations require Member States to implement
early warning and eradication systems for listed species as
well as establishing border controls and licensing systems
to manage trade. Individual countries are also required
to prepare management plans for the eradication or
containment of listed species. Included on the initial list of
35 species, and of particular relevance to Ireland, are the
grey squirrel, the muntjac deer, and the curly-leaved pond
weed (Lagarosiphon sp.).
The National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) has
developed an online invasive species database and an
early warning system. In 2014, a report entitled Ireland’s
Invasive and Non-native Species – Trends in Introductions
was published by the centre (O’Flynn et al. , 2014). This
report found that 13% of invasive alien species recorded in
Ireland are high-impact IAS. The percentage of high impact
species in Ireland is similar to that reported for other
European countries.
Local groups are now tackling IAS in their communities
across Ireland; for example, the Sraheens/Kildownet
campaign to control/eradicate invasive species is a local
community-led project in the Achill area concerned
with investigating ways of removing giant rhubarb
(Gunnera sp.) and Japanese knotweed infestations.
The safe disposal of IAS material, including soil infested
with seed, is problematic and needs to be further
addressed.
4
Raised Bogs and the
Abbeyleix Bog Project
The Habitats Directive aims to protect active raised
bog and restore degraded raised bog still capable of
natural regeneration to active condition. The National
Peatlands Strategy aims to give direction to Ireland’s
approach to peatland management and guidance on
how to optimise the ecosystem services provided by
our peatlands for the future (NPWS, 2015). The EC
is currently co-financing a LIFE project entitled “LIFE
Irish Raised Bogs” to improve the conservation status
of active raised bogs through restoration measures in
12 Natura 2000 sites in the Irish midlands.
On a local level, Abbeyleix Bog Project is an example
of a community initiative that stemmed from a local
action group (Abbeyleix Residents for Environment
Action). The project was established to provide
stewardship for Abbeyleix Bog in County Laois.
Abbeyleix Bog Project is also a member of Irish Rural
Link’s Community Wetlands Forum. In 2010, a 50-
year lease agreement was signed with Bord na Móna
giving management responsibility to the Abbeyleix
Bog Project. A Board of Trustees and technical
advisory group (made up of local business community
representatives, Bord na Móna, NPWS, Irish Peatland
Conservation Council and Laois County Council) is
tasked with ensuring that the site is managed for
conservation, education and local amenity purposes.
The project is actively engaged in the restoration and
management of the bog. Community engagement
projects undertaken to date include the installation of
a boardwalk and bog bridge, invasive rhododendron
clearance and butterfly surveys.