David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the spread and problems caused by Nuttall's pondweed; the measures being taken to control this non-native plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27531/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Nuttall's pondweed (Elodea nuttallii) has long, leafy underwater stems that are initially rooted in the substrate, but which subsequently become detached. Reproduction in Ireland is exclusively by fragmentation. It is tolerant of disturbance and can grow in moderately saline water. It forms very dense submerged stands, occupying the water column from top to bottom, posing a serious impediment to drinking water abstraction and recreational water use, and it can result in fish kills. As with other species of invasive plants it is very difficult to control. Physical removal may simply exacerbate the problem by fragmenting the plant; each portion can start a new colony. Chemical treatment is severely restricted in waterways by EU law. The plant is spreading in Ireland and is widespread in small ornamental and artificial fishery lakes. It is currently replacing Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis) on long sections of the Grand Canal.

Section 52 of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) provides for the making of regulations prohibiting the possession or introduction of any species of wild flora which may be detrimental to native species. It is my intention to make regulations under this section in the first quarter of 2008, and to provide for a short lead in time, after which possession or introduction of Nuttall's pondweed will be prohibited. My purpose is to prevent its further dispersal through garden centres for use in ponds and aquaria, from which it may escape or be released into the wild.