Invasive Alien Species (IAS) provide a threat globally to the environment, to native biodiversity, biosecurity, the economy, animal, plant and human health. Recognising these threats, the Water Forum commissioned a scoping study to provide strategic guidance on the management of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Ireland.
The research aimed to provide insight into how IAS establishment and spread might be restricted and what actions are required to improve the management of established IAS.
The research states that many of the most problematic IAS have been introduced to Ireland in the past 20 years and that a significant number of high impact IAS are predicted to arrive in Ireland in the next 10 years resulting in devastating environmental consequences.
The authors highlight the changes in governance and policy that are needed to improve IAS management
on the island of Ireland and to significantly reduce future invasions and potential economic costs.