Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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115. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the steps he has taken to help farmers address noxious and invasive species such as hogweed, ragwort, Japanese knotweed, rhododendron ponticum affecting their lands; and if he will introduce a public information campaign to highlight this matter. [13466/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The 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, both of which prohibit the spreading of invasive species. In addition, in July 2024, my Department led on the introduction of the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 which further strengthen the existing legislative framework, including by placing restrictions on trade in invasive species.

Under this legislative framework, responsibility for dealing with invasive alien species is a matter for the landowner. Much of the work in tackling invasive plant species such as knotweed happens at local level and is carried out by local authorities in their areas through their own biodiversity action plans. The NPWS provides funding annually for local authority led projects to tackle invasive alien species in their areas through its Local Biodiversity Action Fund.

However, my Department does not generally have a role in the management or eradication of invasive species on privately owned lands other than as the regulatory authority for the invasive alien species legislation.

This week is Invasive Species Week, a joint initiative by the member administrations of the British Irish Council. During the week, organisations across Ireland, the UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey come together to raise awareness on invasive alien species and actions to prevent their spread. In Ireland, Invasive Species Week is co-ordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Events taking place throughout the week include information talks, guided walks, exhibitions and displays and will emphasise actions that people can take to stop the spread of invasive species.