{"id":16963,"date":"2022-01-21T17:32:45","date_gmt":"2022-01-21T17:32:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getirelandpaddling.ie\/?p=16963"},"modified":"2022-01-21T17:32:45","modified_gmt":"2022-01-21T17:32:45","slug":"check-clean-dry-disinfect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getirelandpaddling.ie\/2022\/01\/21\/check-clean-dry-disinfect\/","title":{"rendered":"Check. Clean. Dry. Disinfect"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new initiative to raise awareness about the spread of harmful invasive plant species and the impact of litter on Irish waterways has been launched by Leave No Trace Ireland in partnership with Waterways Ireland, the National Biodiversity Data Centre, Sport Ireland, Canoeing Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Marine Institute, Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Check, Clean, Dry\u2019<\/strong>\u00a0Campaign\u2019 aims to raise awareness about biosecurity and the impacts of litter and is calling on the public to play their part in protecting Ireland\u2019s waterways.<\/p>\n

Launching the campaign, Padraic Creedon, Ecologist with Leave No Trace Ireland said biosecurity is all about reducing the risk of introducing or spreading invasive species and harmful disease in rural and urban environments.<\/p>\n

\u201cIreland is facing an increased threat of invasive alien species in and on its waterways. These are non-native species that have been introduced by human intervention, outside their natural range that can threaten our native wildlife, cause damage to our environment, economy and human health. Water Soldier, (Stratiotes aloides), chub and pink salmon are just some of the species threatening Ireland\u2019s waterways.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

John McDonagh, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland added: \u201cWaterways Ireland is delighted to partner on this important campaign with Leave No Trace Ireland. Our inland waterways are rich ecological and heritage corridors, enjoyed by a variety of recreational users. The introduction or spread of invasive species, both terrestrial and aquatic, is of key concern as it negatively impacts our native biodiversity and can seriously disrupt people\u2019s enjoyment of the waterways. We would strongly urge our users to adopt the Check, Clean, Dry approach so we can all work together to preserve this valuable resource for current and future generations.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, also expressed his support for the \u2018Check, Clean, Dry\u2019<\/strong>\u00a0Campaign\u2019. The Minister noted that tackling invasive alien species is vital to our efforts to halt biodiversity loss and that the Programme for Government provides for development of a new National Invasive Species Management Plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cInvasive species are a serious threat to our biodiversity, and I fully support the efforts of Leave No Trace and their partners in this new campaign to raise awareness about Check Clean Dry protocols. I\u2019m delighted to see my Department\u2019s strong engagement in this initiative through Waterways Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and hope that it will help to improve vital biosecurity measures all over this island\u2019s waterways. Through the British Irish Council, the NPWS also engages with counterparts in Great Britain to encourage water users on both sides of the Irish Sea to apply these simple but effective measures.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The new campaign is asking anyone who goes out on the water to help in reducing the risk of spreading invasive species and disease by following the\u00a0Check, Clean, Dry<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0principles.<\/p>\n