Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 551: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the spread of lagarosiphon major in Lough Corrib, that 64 sites in Lough Corrib have an infestation of lagarosiphon major, and that if this should continue that the entire biodiversity of the lough would be altered and many of the fish would be wiped out; if he is prepared to implement a vigorous campaign based on the formation of a task force to have this weed eradicated before irreparable damage is done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17874/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Lagarosiphon major, also known as the curly-leaved pondweed, is a native of southern Africa. It has been widely sold for many years as an oxygenating plant for garden ponds and aquaria. However, it is now viewed as a major threat to Irish lakes and their associated wildlife since it became established in Lough Corrib in 2005.

A Lagarosiphon Task Force has been established to address the spread of the pondweed in the lake. The Task Force includes representatives of my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Central Fisheries Board, the Western Regional Fisheries Board, the Office of Public Works and Galway County Council. Last year my Department provided funding to the Central Fisheries Board to purchase a weed cutting boat to be dedicated exclusively to removing Lagarosiphon major in the lake. I understand that the boat is now moored on the lake and will begin operations in the next few weeks. In this regard, I have provided additional funding of €200,000 this year to the Central Fisheries Board for work involving the removal and control of Lagarosiphon major in the lake.