John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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277. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide details on plans to complete the removal of invasive species such as cherry laurel from the Glen of the Downs nature reserve; to provide details of financial costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23734/24]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department prioritises the ongoing management and eradication of invasive species as part of its conservation role, dedicating a significant level of its resources to these management activities each year.

Monitoring of invasive species at Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve in County Wicklow continues throughout the year. The most recent contract for the control of invasive species in Glen of the Downs was for the control and removal of Cherry Laurel, with the successful tenderer bidding approximately €164k.

The species have not been eradicated completely from the site, but the project has already significantly transformed the structure of the woodland from a conservation viewpoint. This project is one of the many projects funded through the Conservation Measures Unit of the NPWS aimed at addressing the site specific conservation objectives of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

The remaining area of Cherry Laurel on the eastern side of the glen - circa two hectares - has also secured funding and will be progressed this year, while the remaining areas on the western side will be mapped with works progressing into 2025.