IAS is an acronym that is popping up more regularly and is in the news at present both nationally and internationally. IAS stands for an ‘invasive alien species’ meaning animals and plants that are introduced accidentally or deliberately into a natural environment where they are not normally found, with serious negative consequences for their new environment. At present, the list contains 114 species: 65 animals and 49 plants. The reason IASs are in the news at present is because Ireland is now obliged to eradicate, or to put a management plan in place, for species newly added to the EU’s updated IAS hit list. The recent update included eight species, four animals and four plants, which are present or have occurred in Ireland.

Source: Irish Independent January 31, 2026 15:00 UTC