Minister to launch pilot project to control invasive rhododendron plant

A COMMUNITY-led project aimed at controlling the invasive rhododendron plant in parts of Mayo will be launched in Ballycroy on Friday evening.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan TD will launch a pilot community-led Peatland Restoration and Rhododendron Control Project in the Ballycroy Visitor Centre at 7pm on Friday evening, February 9.

The pilot community led project aims to develop and demonstrate a rhododendron control programme for areas within the Owenduff/Nephin, Shramore and Carrowmore Lake Complex Special Areas of Conservation in Co Mayo.

The project catchments are part of important salmonid catchments, therefore the lands within the SAC have potential ecological connection with other Natura 2000 lands and watercourses and the is to apply this approach to adjacent lands and connecting Natura sites in the vicinity.

Collaboration with the local community and relevant stakeholders, is an integral part of the project as well as collaboration with the other working groups of similar projects throughout the region. The project will be locally based and will require input from all relevant stakeholders including land owners, land managers, farmers, farmer associations, forestry, private tourism and recreational businesses, state agencies, local community groups, and the Education Training Board.

Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) is a large perennial evergreen, acid loving shrub which is native to the Iberian Peninsula and Asia. It was introduced to Ireland during the 18th century as an ornamental garden plant because of its attractive flowers.

This invasive species presents an ongoing threat to the Irish natural environment and its eradication presents a significant national challenge. This project, conceived by the Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP in consultation with local landowners, will develop and demonstrate a community-led Rhododendron control programme at the catchment level and will produce an action plan including best practice guidelines for future management of peatland landscapes. The project will work with a range of stakeholders to develop and test best-practice methods for treating Rhododendron at different densities and maturity and provide recommendations for upscaling in other Rhododendron infestation sites.

Phase one of the project identified targeted areas within the sites of approximately 140 square kilometres that are being mapped and graded with the aim of tackling the problem of rhododendron, which is an invasive species and has a negative impact on our peatland habitats and the general ecosystem.

Phase two will involve practical rhododendron control. A fully trained work crew will be established and will undertake rhododendron treatment within the target areas. Areas affected by slight to moderate rhododendron infestation will be prioritised for initial treatment. There is strong interest from the local landowners to engage in the rhododendron control programmes and there are significant part-time and full time employment opportunities that will emanate from this project.

Phase three will showcase various methodologies in peatland restoration at identified sites such as realignment, drain blocking, fencing, access, drain management and conifer removal.

It is expected that the project will deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits to participants and local communities. It will further build capacity within the local community to address environmental challenges and will complement the existing work of Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP.

Collaboration with the local community and relevant stakeholders, is an integral part of the project as well as collaboration with the other working groups of similar projects throughout the country.