News

Minister O’Sullivan announces new approach to tackling invasive species in Ireland

Date Released: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

New partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Biodiversity Data Centre will strengthen Ireland’s approach to managing invasive species

New roadmap for managing Asian hornet also published, with members of the public asked to report sightings through enhanced portal

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has today (19 May 2026) announced a new partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) which will establish an Invasive Species Bureau. The Minister also published the Rapid response model for Asian hornet, a new strategic approach for managing any future occurrence of the Asian hornet in Ireland.

Examples of Invasive Species found in Ireland include Rhododendron ponticum, North American mink and Japanese knotweed. Last year, reported sightings of the invasive Asian hornet in Cork led to a rapid government response resulting in the location and removal of two Asian hornet nests.

Launching the new Bureau at the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Waterford, Minister O’Sullivan said:

“Left unchecked, invasive species are a major threat to nature and a threat to livelihoods. Our response to managing them must be based on early detection, public awareness, and collaboration – and backed by science. This was the approach that we took last year when we successfully identified and removed two Asian hornet nests from the Cork area.

The new Invasive Species Bureau that I’m announcing today in Waterford will strengthen our approach to managing the Asian hornet and other invasives that threaten our native species and habitats. One of my top priorities for the Bureau will be to develop and Invasive Species Management Strategy, and support its implementation. This will provide us with solid data, co-ordinate key agencies and stakeholders, and unlock the power of citizen science so that we can spot these species early and stop them from spreading. This approach has proven highly effective in other countries, and will ensure that we meet our obligations in Ireland and the EU to tackle these species and bring them under control.”

Invasive species pose a threat to biodiversity as they damage native species of plants and wildlife. They have a significant impact across sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, transport and tourism.

The Invasive Species Bureau formalises the partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Biodiversity Data Centre to support implementation of EU regulations on invasive species, and to strengthen Ireland’s approach to managing them.

In addition, the Minister published the Rapid response model for Asian hornet in Ireland – a new roadmap that will coordinate efforts to ensure the Asian hornet doesn’t take hold in Ireland.

Launching the new roadmap, Minister O’Sullivan said:

“We remain vigilant about the Asian hornet given the threat it poses to native pollinators. This roadmap does just that – it ensures that we are well prepared to prevent it from gaining a foothold in Ireland. Each step within this roadmap – from early detection, through to investigation, eradication strategy and deployment of all control measures – is based on the best available scientific evidence.

The public plays an important role in our early warning system, too. We’ve now made it even easier for everyone to log onto the invasives.ie portal and report suspected sightings of the Asian hornet along with other invasive species.”

John McCarthy, Chairperson of the National Biodiversity Data Centre said:

“An effective response to invasive species requires data and evidence at its heart, and greater national coordination of the key agencies delivering on the ground actions. We are very pleased to be supporting NPWS in the delivery of this important work, drawing on the scientific and technical expertise of the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Contributing to improved national coordination of evidence-based actions will slow the rate of introduction of new invasive species and limit their negative impact on our native species and habitats.”

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the NPWS said:

“This partnership between the NPWS and the National Biodiversity Data Centre demonstrates our commitment to protecting our high value nature areas and native species and will ensure that we meet our national and EU obligations.”

Representatives from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Biodiversity Data Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding which sets out the objectives, terms and scope of the work to be undertaken by the Invasive Species Bureau. With the new Bureau in place, work will now begin on a National Invasive Species Management Strategy for Ireland.

Further Information

An Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is defined as a non-native organism (plants, animals, fungi or microorganism) that are introduced – intentionally or unintentionally - into a new environment, where they establish, spread and cause harm to the environment, economy or human health.

A Rapid response model for the Asian hornet – a strategic approach is available from Biodiversity Ireland.

Legal obligations

The NPWS is responsible for National and EU Obligations relating to IAS. This includes supporting national efforts in prevention, early detection, monitoring, data management, response, and policy development related to Invasive Alien Species.

In 2015 the EU adopted Regulation 1143/14 on the control of Invasive Alien Species, targeting highly Invasive Alien Species of concern across the Union.

In July 2024, Ireland introduced the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations (SI 374/24) to give effect to the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation and to update and strengthen the existing legislative framework for dealing with Invasive Alien Species, particularly around trade in Invasive Alien Species.

National Biodiversity Data Centre

The role of the NBDC is to acquire, collate, manage, validate and make available, data in respect of Ireland’s biodiversity in order to document wildlife resources and monitor and record changes over time, in so doing, support national initiatives to maintain and enhance biodiversity, including recording of species and habitat information relating to the terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. It provides coordination, data and information services to NPWS and other parties, as required.

Asian hornet

The Asian Hornet, native to Southeast Asia, has spread through continental Europe since its accidental introduction in France in 2004. It poses a major ecological risk to native pollinators. A single nest can devastate local honeybee populations.