Invasive Alien Species Action Plan For Dublin City 2016-2020 to be officially launched today.
The objectives of the Draft Plan are to control and reduce the spread of existing invasive alien species (IAS) and to prevent any new IAS from establishing in the city.
‘The impacts of IAS in terms of degradation of our environment and damage to economic interests necessitate that we recognise IAS management as a key issue for sustainable development of Dublin. Failure to address the issue will limit the potential for future generations of Dubliners to realise benefits and affect their quality of life. This Plan is a first step toward safeguarding our interests and ensuring opportunities for sustainable growth of the City.’
The Plan contains seven Targets, which are derived from its objectives. These are set out below.
- Protect our native species and habitats and ensure that Invasive Alien Species do not jeopardise the protected status of any of these habitats or species.
- Comply with national and EU legislation, including recent European Union Regulations, which deal specifically with Invasive Alien Species.
- Continue and increase co-operation between public authorities charged with protecting Dublin’s biodiversity.
- Reduce the long term economic cost of Invasive Alien Species to Dublin City.
- Improve the amenity and recreation value of Dublin City for its residents and tourists.
- Protect Dublin City’s public spaces and the health of its citizens.
- Promote awareness of the issues to as wide an audience as possible
The Draft Invasive Alien Species Action Plan for Dublin City 2016 – 2020 is available at http://bit.ly/InvasiveAlienPlan