News
Forum to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration on invasive species on the island of Ireland
Date Released: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The growing threat of Invasive Species on the island of Ireland, and collaborative action from both jurisdictions to tackle it was the focus of the second Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Stakeholder Forum in Belfast yesterday (Tuesday November 4th). Invasive species such as Asian Hornet, Mink and Rhododendron Ponticum damage native species and habitats, threaten our biodiversity and have a significant economic impact. A range of contributors from government, academia and civil society discussed recent responses and the role of monitoring, research and public engagement in protecting the island of Ireland from the impact of invasive species.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:
“Invasive species can move across landscapes, waterways, and ecosystems, impacting both jurisdictions. That’s why cooperation and coordination across our shared island are not just beneficial—they are essential.
Recent sightings and capture of Asian Hornet in Cork and in Belfast present common challenges for us, but also the opportunity to learn from each other and to collaborate. Together we have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of new introductions of invasive species, which continue to pose a growing threat to biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and the livelihoods of our communities.”
Speaking at the event in Belfast, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir said:
“The complex issues presented by invasive species cannot be fixed in the short term or in isolation, they require long term planning and coherent policy, underpinned by the most up to date science and evidence, and that will only be achieved by working together across these islands.
This Forum’s programme reflects these needs and objectives, as well as providing a platform to share our collective experiences. I very much value the contribution made by the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative in developing and informing actions for the benefit of all.”
Invasive Species found on the island of Ireland include the Zebra Mussel in our rivers and lakes, Rhododendron Ponticum affecting woodlands and landscapes, and most recently, the Asian Hornet posing a risk to Ireland’s pollinators. Earlier this year two Asian Hornets nests were successfully located and removed in Cork, and in October a nest was found in Belfast. Authorities in both jurisdictions are continuing to monitor and plan to prepare for any future presence of this destructive species.
The Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Stakeholder Forum is part of a five-year project with an investment of over €1.3m from the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Initiative, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The project is led by the National Biodiversity Data Centre with input from the NIEA and oversight by the NPWS. The forum brings together experts, policy makers, land managers, community groups and cross-border agencies to strengthen collaboration on protecting the island of Ireland from biosecurity threats and invasive species.
The project will include actions in both jurisdictions to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species across freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It will strengthen biological data collection, early detection systems, rapid response strategy development, and enhanced public awareness campaigns to educate communities and industries about invasive species.
Further Information
For more information on the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Project and invasive species, visit the Invasives Website.