Mayo community praised for tackling invasive plants

A west Mayo community has been praised for its work in removing invasive plants in their community.

A group of farmers in the parish of Kilgeever, Westport, are removing rhododendron from Bundorragha catchment through their involvement in a social rural scheme.

Their efforts have been described as "inspiring" by Green Party TD and Minister of State Malcolm Noonan.

He explained: "Invasive plants such as rhododendron and cherry laurel present significant challenges and a major programme based on sound science and best practice and managed strategically on a site-specific basis needs to be undertaken.

"Communities can play a vital role in this work, and we have seen fantastic examples of people coming together to support nature.

"An inspiring one is a group of farmers who, through their participation in the rural social scheme, are removing rhododendron from Bundorragha catchment in Mayo and I would like to see much more of this take place.

"It is clear we need to think big and take bigger action. The next five years will be crucial."