The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is seeking tenders for the control of rhododendron ponticum in Connemara National Park through using rope work.

Connemara National Park, which extends to around 2,300ha, lies south-east of the village of Letterfrack, Co. Galway.

Opened to the public in 1980, the park consists of peatland habitats, woodlands, and rivers.

According to the NPWS, rhododendron ponticum "significantly reduces woodland regeneration, resulting in a poor age structure of the native woodlands within the park".

The plant also threatens the open peatland habitat as an invasive species.

In 2021, a programme began to control rhododendron ponticum in Connemara National Park, with over 762ha cleared to date.

The NPWS is now inviting tenders from suitably qualified and experienced suppliers to carry out herbicidal treatment of rhododendron using specialised rope work at certain locations in the national park.

The rope access allows access to challenging terrain without causing damage to the ecosystem, unlike heavy machinery.

The area of rhododendron to be treated with rope work is located entirely within the Polladirk River Valley.

The tender documents state that an area of approximately 12.6ha is to be searched and all rhododendron within the area to be treated with herbicide.

In June 2025, approximately 1.61ha of rhododendron was treated with herbicide using rope work.

If required, any surviving rhododendron plants within this area must be retreated with herbicide by the successful tenderer.

The remaining heavy infestation within the valley to be treated with herbicide is around 3.3ha in size.

The NPWS said the treatment of rhododendron using rope work should only be undertaken by suitably qualified personnel.

Tenders will only be deemed valid if interested suppliers meet with designated NPWS staff on site and inspect the proposed work area.

Due to the ecologically sensitive nature of the site, the NPWS also states that the only herbicide to be used is glyphosate suitable for use near water.

The selected method is stem treatment, whereby a 14% solution of glyphosate (6 parts water, 1 part glyphosate) will be applied to the cut or broken stem of plants greater than 20cm in height.

Any rhododendron plants not killed during the period of contract must be effectively retreated within six months.

The tender documents state that the services are to be completed by December 5, 2025.

The deadline for the submission of tenders is 2:00p.m on September 2, 2025.