INFORMATION EVENING TOOK PLACE IN THE DOLOMEN CENTRE OMEATH IN JUNE 2025

Project description
This project was commissioned by Omeath District Development CLG and funded by
Community Foundation Ireland. The aim of the project is to carry out alien invasive plant
surveys for the areas within the Omeath village and its environs and to hold an information
evening for the local community presenting outcomes from the survey.
This project is only considering plant species. Although its main concern are alien species,
the report will also address native invasive species. 

Methodology
A representative of the Omeath District Development CLG was consulted to establish the
scope of the survey.
Desk study involved accessing publicly available National Biodiversity Data Centre data sets
on flora, (including potential invasive and protected species), within c. 2 km of the site were
consulted. Environmental Protection Agency hydrological maps were consulted in order to
identify streams within the area of the survey.
The surveys took place on 11/07/2024, 14/07/2024, and 17/07/2024, which is within the
optimum for botanical and habitat surveys. They were carried out by Goska Wilkowska. Areas
within the town, along the shore, and within woodlands were surveyed on foot, as a walkover
survey. Mountain areas were mostly surveyed from a car. The car was driven by Gwidon
Wilkowski, at c. 30 km/h/. Goska was looking for invasive species along the road, identifying
them by sight, with the help of binoculars. If needed, the car was stopped, and an area was
surveyed on foot. Some areas, especially by bridges and other manmade structures, were
always surveyed on foot.
Habitats within the site were surveyed by Goska Wilkowska and were identified in
accordance with Fossitt’s Guide to Habitats in Ireland (Fossitt, 2000). Plants noted were
confirmed using Parnell, and Curtis, T (2012) and National Biodiversity Data Centre species
profiles.

Site description
The Omeath village lies along the southern shores of Carlingford Lough, at the mouth of
Newry. The Carlingford to Omeath Greenway runs along the shore. There are quays and piers
used by boats within the village. Several streams run through the village, entering the Lough.
Shores at Omeath are part of the Carlingford Shore Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Accessible stretches of these shores were surveyed.
Carlingford Mountains are situated southeast from the village. They are partially within the
Carlingford Mountains Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Sections of the mountains along
the roads, at bridges, and at car parks on the Omeath side of the range were surveyed.

A small area of woodland called Ferry Hill is situated northwest of the village. It is recognised
as a ‘Long-Established Woodland (I)’ on the Ancient and Long-Established Woodland
database.
Slieve Foye Woods, a Coillte owned forestry site, lies east to the village.

Survey results
Six species of alien invasive plants were identified during the survey. Table 4 lists them.
Two other species, Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida)
were added to this list, because they appeared in historical records. Japanese knotweed was
recorded at several locations within the village up to year 2020 (see Figure 3). Perhaps it has
been managed, or the growth appeared within private properties.

Wakame was recorded at Carlingford Marina (c.3.5 km eastwards along the shore from
Greer’s Quay) in September 2024. It is possible that this alga has appeared or will soon
appear further in the Carlingford Lough.
One species, Fuchsia magellanica, was included in the list. It is not listed in the First
Schedule of EU Regulations, but it is a common garden escapee, which has established itself
very well in the mild humid climate of seashores. It can dominate vast lengths of hedgerows
and roadsides in the wet of Ireland, and it may potentially become listed as an alien invasive
species in the future.
Three native species were also included in the table. They have invasive properties and have
dominated large areas of Carlingford Mountains, posing risk to Qualifying Interests of the
Carlingford Mountains SAC.