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 2026 was launched on Monday by Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD – an annual event organised by the National Biodiversity Data Centre to raise awareness of invasive species and encourage actions to help prevent their spread.
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.
REPORT SIGHTINGS
Outlining the need for the public’s help, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said that invasive species are ‘one of the leading drivers of biodiversity loss globally, and they’re having a huge impact in Ireland too’.
“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”.
The minister encouraged people to visit invasives.ie for lots of useful resources to help identify invasive species and an easy-to-use reporting system.
REPORT SIGHTINGS
Earlier this year the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, establishing a new Invasive Species Bureau, which will develop a National Management Strategy for Invasive Alien Species. To report a sighting of an invasive species, visit https://invasives.ie/reportsightings/
Running this week until Sunday, June 28th, for more information visit invasives.ie/invasivespeciesweek/
