Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has today (Monday, June 22) launched Invasive Species Week 2026.

The annual event, organised by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, aims to raise awareness of invasive species and encourage actions to help prevent their spread.

During the week, organisations across Ireland, the UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey will come together to raise awareness of these plants and animals and the actions to prevent their spread.

Events will include information talks, guided walks, exhibitions and displays.

Invasive species

Among the invasive species found in Ireland are plants such as rhododendron ponticum, Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and animals like the Asian clam, zebra mussel, North American mink and Asian hornet.

They can have a significant impact across sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, transport and tourism.

Last year, sightings of the invasive Asian hornet reported by members of the public led to the swift removal of two nests in the Cork area.

Minister O’Sullivan said that 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 (NPWS), 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.

"Early warnings are vital in stopping these destructive plants and animals from getting a foothold in a habitat," he said.

Minister O'Sullivan is encouraging people to visit the national website on invasive species (invasives.ie) which includes resources to help identify invasive species and report sightings.

Earlier this year, NPWS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

This MoU establishes a new Invasive Species Bureau, which will develop a national management strategy.