DLR have developed our first Invasive Alien Species Action (IAS) Plan for the county.
The overall aim of the DLR IAS Action Plan is to provide a roadmap for IAS to be eradicated from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown when possible, controlled when eradication is not possible, for new introductions to be prevented, and for damaged habitats to be restored.
Alien Species are also known as non-native species or introduced species. These are species that occur in an area where they are not native but were brought there through human influence — either purposefully or accidentally.
When an alien species becomes too pervasive in an environment, it is said to be invasive and these are known as Invasive Alien Species (IAS). IAS tend to have a number of traits in common:
• They grow and/or reproduce more quickly or earlier than native species thus establishing more successfully,
• They are tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions and so adapt easily to new environments,
It is estimated that 15% of alien species in Europe cause damage and are classified as invasive.
The negative impacts of IAS in Ireland and throughout the globe are varied and far-reaching. In fact, world-wide, IAS are the second biggest driver of species extinctions overall and the biggest driver of vertebrate extinctions. Therefore, it is critical that we attempt to halt their spread and eradicate them where-ever possible in order to preserve our biodiversity and prevent negative impacts on our economy.
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council recognise that the significant threats posed by IAS require a structured and co-ordinated approach to minimise their impact and to prevent further introductions and spread. This requires a comprehensive countywide strategy and establishing links with other counties and agencies. The DLR IAS Action Plan is provided in the Related Documents on the right of this page.
DLR are carrying out a number of IAS treatment projects including Giant Hogweed and Japanese knotweed in our parks and on our roadsides, Grey squirrel, Giant Hogweed and American Skunk Cabbage on the Carrickmines River Catchment, Japanese Knotweed on the River Dodder Catchment with some funding coming from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage which is greatly appreciated.
The plan has been prepared by the Biodiversity section under the actions of the DLR Biodiversity Action Plan 2021 - 2025.
The SEA Screening for the DLR IAS Action Plan has been carried out and is consistent with the process as recommended by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government guidance document entitled Implementation of SEA Directive 2001/42/EC Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment November 2004, in line with Schedule I of SI435 and uses the criteria for SEA Screening set out in the SEA Directive.
A Screening for Appropriate Assessment has been prepared in line with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). The SEA Screening Report and Determination and the Screening for Appropriate Assessment are provided the documents below.
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