Government launch Invasive Species Week 2026

The Government has launched Invasive Species Week 2026, which will be an annual event to raise awareness of invasive species in Ireland.

Invasive Species Week is organised by the National Biodiversity Data Centre to raise awareness and encourage positive actions to help prevent their spread.

Ireland is now home to many invasive species, and they include plants like Rhododendron Ponticum, Himalayan Balsam, and Japanese Knotweed.

It also includes animals like the Asian Clam, Zebra Mussel and Asian Hornet, which were spotted last year in the Cork area.

Throughout the week, organisations across Ireland, the UK, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey will come together to raise awareness of invasive species and actions to prevent their spread.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan said: “Invasive species are one of the leading drivers of biodiversity loss globally, and they’re having a huge impact in Ireland too. To tackle the problem, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, along with local authorities, individual landowners and community groups, are doing amazing work to remove and control them all across the country. But they need your help!

“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.

“That’s why I’m encouraging people to visit invasives.ie, where you’ll find lots of useful resources to help identify invasive species and an easy-to-use reporting system. Noticing invasives is the first step to controlling them, so if you’re spending time in nature this summer, familiarise yourself with what these species look like, be vigilant when you’re out and about, and use your phone to take a photo and report any sightings.”