Minister O’Sullivan launches national awareness week on stopping the spread of invasive species

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has today (Monday 22nd of June) launched Invasive Species Week 2026. Common invasive species found in Ireland include plants like Rhododendron Ponticum, Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed and animals like the Asian Clam, Zebra Mussel and Asian Hornet. Last year, public sightings of the invasive Asian hornet led to the rapid removal of two nests in the Cork area.

Invasive Species Week is an annual event organised by the National Biodiversity Data

Centre to raise awareness of invasive species and encourage actions to help prevent their spread.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said:

“Invasive species are one of the leading drivers of biodiversity loss globally, and they’re having a huge impact in Ireland too. To tackle the problem, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, along with local authorities, individual landowners and community groups, are doing amazing work to remove and control them all across the country. But they need your help!

“Keen-eyed members of the public can play a really important role in the fight against invasive species, not only by taking part in initiatives in their own local areas, but also by sharing sightings with the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Early warnings are vital in stopping these destructive plants and animals from getting a foothold in a habitat.

“That’s why I’m encouraging people to visit invasives.ie, where you’ll find lots of useful resources to help identify invasive species and an easy-to-use reporting system. Noticing invasives is the first step to controlling them, so if you’re spending time in nature this summer, familiarise yourself with what these species look like, be vigilant when you’re out and about, and use your phone to take a photo and report any sightings.”

During Invasive Species Week, organisations across Ireland, the UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey come together to raise awareness on invasive species and actions to prevent their spread. Events include information talks, guided walks, exhibitions and displays. The week will also put a spotlight on existing campaigns, such as the ‘Check Clean Dry’ campaign aimed at water users, with simple actions to help prevent the spread of curly waterweed (Largarosiphon major) and a plague which affects the native white-clawed crayfish.