The Legal Classification of Invasive Plants

In response to the increased threat to Ireland’s habitats and biodiversity, the government introduced The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations in 2011. Amongst other initiatives under these regulations, for the first time, the government published a schedule of non-native plant and animal species, and regulations to control their spread. Of the land based species contained in the Third Schedule of the Regulations, a number of these plants have started to spread exponentially across the country, with a very real threat to our native habitats, flora and fauna.

Drawing from the experience of other countries, and informed by data collected by The National Biodiversity Data Centre and environmental risk assessments carried out by Invasive Species Ireland, a number of established invasive plants have been identified as posing a particular environmental threat. The most unwanted species have been selected from the highest scoring of all the species assessed, and information on each of these species is provided below. Further information and plant identification sheets can be found by following the links on our website or by visiting the National Biodiversity Data Centre website.

Japanese Knotweed

Himalayan Knotweed

Giant Rhubarb

Giant Hogweed

Himalayan Balsam

Rhododendron