Green Limerick: Rivers Trust want all-Ireland plan to tackle invasive species
MAIGUE Rivers Trust are calling for an all-Ireland approach to protect against invasive species along our river banks.
The Maigue Rivers Trust was founded in 2016 for the protection and enhancement of the rivers and lakes of the Maigue catchment.
In June, 2022, the Maigue Rivers Trust received funding from the Lawpro’s Community Development Water Fund and Kilmallock-Capamore General Municipal Allocation (GMA) as part of Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) to start Giant Hogweed control along the Morning Star River between Bruff and Elton.
Giant Hogweed is not only an aggressive alien invasive species but it is also a health hazard due to the severe burns the plant sap causes when combined with UV sunlight.
According to Liz Gabbett, project officer of the Maigue Rivers Trust, it will take a few years to get Giant Hogweed under control but an all-Ireland approach is needed to stop the spread of invasive species as they “don't adhere to county boundaries”.
“At the moment funding is mainly residing with the local county council and they do not have enough money to deal with the level of the problem that’s out there.
“A lot of what Limerick council do is focus on Japanese Knotweed and there is very little left over for Giant Hogweed. There just isn’t enough to deal with the problem that’s out there,” Ms Gabbett said.
Giant Hogweed and other invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed or the Himalayan Balsam impact our biodiversity by competing with our native species. Giant Hogweed in particular doesn’t have the deepest root system so it doesn’t bind soil together like other plants. This causes river banks to be washed away during flooding.
“All our native species are being impacted because they are being crowded out,” Ms Gabbett mentioned.
Himalayan Balsam is becoming more of a problem in particularly on the River Deel.
“It looks really pretty, but by virtue of out-competing our native species, it takes over and it loves Ireland,” Ms Gabbett added.
To help fight off invasive species, people in Limerick can start by cleaning clothing and equipment if coming back from boating before moving in between rivers and if people avoid buying plants like Rhododendron, they will be helping to protect against the spread of unwanted invasive species.