Rhododendron removal costs estimated at €2,457 a hectare

An action plan i Mayo shows how removing rhododendron can help the critically endangered Freshwater Pearl Mussel

The cost of removing rhododendron varies according to local conditions such as density, age and plant growth. Photo: Dan Linehan

It is costing a lot of money to remove an invasive species from the countryside, Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae was told in a written reply to a Dáil question.

Rhododendron ponticum is a large perennial evergreen shrub that is native to the Iberian Peninsula and Asia. It was introduced to Ireland during the 18th Century as an ornamental garden plant because of its attractive flowers.