IRD Duhallow and Inland Fisheries Ireland to eradicate invasive Himalayan balsam from the River Allow

An EU-funded project to eradicate an invasive plant which is eroding land and putting important fish habitats in a north Cork river at risk was launched today by Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan.

Himalayan Balsam, which was introduced from India as an ornamental plant for its attractive pink flowers, has spread from gardens to roadsides and is now causing serious problems on river banks and habitats throughout Ireland including in north Cork.