Pest control: We need to protect our plant life

Plants produce 98% of the oxygen we breathe. Yet, they are under constant threat from pests and diseases, writes Ray Ryan

An oak processionary moth was found in Dublin last week and the public are being urged to remain vigilant. Picture: iStock

The discovery last month of the Oak Processionary Moth in a public park in Dublin has put a new focus on the increasing number of alien species that are posting a threat to the environment, economy, and potentially public health in Ireland.

Known as OPM for short, it was the first finding of the pest on the island of Ireland and led to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Dublin taking swift action.