The National Parks and Wildlife Service considers the control of Rhododendron a top priority, with €2.7m spent on management of the invasive species in Killarney National Park in the past five years.
Close to 2000 acres of area in the park has been treated under the management programme, and plans are being made for further management of the species.
Minister of State Malcolm Noonan emphasized the challenges of controlling Rhododendron, stating it is difficult, costly, and labor-intensive but crucial.
The NPWS is responding to the threat by constantly monitoring Killarney National Park and developing strategies for treatment, including developing management plans for each zone and classifying areas into a “maintenance” phase.
