Invasive Species Bureau launched in Ireland

Claire Deasy and Sam Bayley from the National Parks and Wildlife Service team, and David Law from David Law Tree Care, removing the first Asian hornet nest found in Ireland

The bureau will support the implementation of European Union regulations on invasive species and it will strengthen Ireland’s approach to managing them

Horticulture

Read More: Invasive Species Invasive Species Bureau Ireland National Biodiversity Data Centre National Parks and Wildlife Service

13 August 2026

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) have joined forces to establish the Invasive Species Bureau.

A bureau to tackle invasive species in Ireland has been set up in Co Waterford. The bureau will support the implementation of European Union regulations on invasive species and says it will strengthen Ireland’s approach to managing them.

“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,” Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, said.

Examples of invasive species found in Ireland include rhododendron, 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.

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, and a single nest can devastate local honeybee populations.

Representatives from the NPWS and the NBDC signed a memorandum of understanding which sets out the objectives, terms and scope of the work to be undertaken by the bureau.

With the new bureau in place, work will now begin on a national invasive species management strategy for Ireland.

The public can now report suspected sightings of invasive species here.

Read more: New national Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2026-2030 launched

© 2026, Growtrade.ie by Patryk Goron

Read More: Invasive Species Invasive Species Bureau Ireland National Biodiversity Data Centre National Parks and Wildlife Service

Comments are closed.

Back to Top ↑

Newsletter
Your weekly digest of trade news, direct to your inbox. Subscribe by entering your email here:

Email address:
Growtrade.ie Highlights

Apprenticeships update
The new Level 6 Higher Cert Horticulture Apprenticeship has been up and running at the Teagasc College in the National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin for the past three years and August 2026 sees the fourth new class intake. This programme is part of the SOLAS Generation apprenticeship programme, which is an exciting avenue for young people to progress their route to qualifications through applied learning combining [...]
GIMA launches Gardenex
The Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA) has recently launched Gardenex, its dedicated international trade service, designed to support international trade, strengthen commercial connections and create new opportunities for businesses operating across the global garden sector. Gardenex provides a platform for businesses looking to explore new markets, build valuable partnerships and engage with buyers and suppliers from around the world. “The launch of Gardenex represents an [...]
Two leading retail shows, one visit
Glee (8–10 September) and Autumn Fair (6–9 September) co-locate at the NEC Birmingham this autumn, creating Europe’s largest combined home and garden trade show in the second half of the year. For buyers across garden, home and gift, it presents a unique opportunity to source across categories, discover new suppliers and tap into a broader retail landscape all in one visit. From established names to [...]
Small Talk with garden designer and owner of Laurel Hill Gardens – Debbie Brophy
In association with Gardenworld Nurseries At Growtrade, we’re running an interview series titled ‘Small Talk’, where we talk to various influential members of Ireland’s horticulture trade. This week’s conversation is with the garden designer and owner of Laurel Hill Gardens – Debbie Brophy. How did you first get involved in the horticulture sector? While in my previous job I began to do the postgraduate diploma in garden [...]
Horticulturists – join Woodie’s
Woodie’s, Ireland’s leading DIY, home and garden retailer and an official Great Place to Work, is hiring qualified horticulturists across their stores. They’re looking for people with horticulture qualification and experience, strong plant knowledge and a passion for customer service to help maintain their garden centres, manage stock and deliver expert advice. What they offer Full-time (39 hours) and part-time roles, €14–€16 per hour (DOE), [...]
Follow Growtrade on Social Media
- Instagram
- X
- Facebook
More from this Channel