Get involved
You can become a member of the Invasive Species Ireland Forum in a number of ways. Once affiliated, you can
- exchange information about your work on this website
- receive the Invasive Species in Ireland newsletter
- receive updates on upcoming events
- receive other material relating to invasive species
Join the Invasive Species Ireland mailing list for updates and further information.
Invasive Species in Ireland Forum
The Forum meets annually and is open to all interested parties. The Forum is an opportunity to exchange information, meet others interested and involved with invasive species and input to the Invasive Species in Ireland project.
Click here to access the proceedings of past Forums.
There are four technical working groups consisting of representatives from NIEA, NPWS, Government Departments and agencies, industry, academia and NGO's. The co-chairs represent the group at the Steering Group meetings. Activities of each group include:
- Providing technical input and support to the project;
- Input to policy development;
- Exchanging information on emerging threats;
- Recommend priorities for action.
The Terrestrial Working Group has an expert knowledge and keen interest in the issues associated with this environment. Their collective knowledge is tasked with guiding appropriate policy development and plans to tackle terrestrial invasive species. This group is co-chaired by Dr Matthew Jebb (National Botanic Gardens of Ireland) and Dr Richard Weyl (NIEA).
The Freshwater Working Group has been formed from key sectors in this area from right across the island of Ireland. Members either have an expert knowledge of this environment or are keen enthusiasts willing to work to protect this ecosystem and resource from the damage caused by non native species. This group is co-chaired by Dr Joe Caffrey (Central Fisheries Board) and Dr Peter Hale (NIEA).
A Marine Working Group has been formed to tackle the complex issues of this environment. Active discussion and involvement from the academic and government experts as well as the wide range of stakeholder interest groups in this environment are facilitated by meetings of the marine working group. This group is co-chaired by Dr Liz Sides (NPWS) and Joe Breen (NIEA).
Education and Awareness Working Group
Education and awareness has been identified by the NPWS, NIEA and the three environment specific working groups as crucial to dealing with problem species already present in Ireland and preventing further introductions. This working group will look at how best to inform the public of the role they can play and will also guide the development of sector specific codes of contact and best practise to prevent new introductions. This group is co-chaired by David Kelly (NPWS) and Eileen Curry (NIEA).
