Corina Johnston, Labour Party Local Area Representative has welcomed a recent announcement of funding for the removal of an invasive plant from the sand dunes at the Burrow in Portrane. Johnston said; ”grave concerns were expressed to me earlier in the year regarding the deterioration of protected habitats on the sand dunes at the Burrow beach, Portrane, a Special Area of Conservation. These issues were raised with me by John Lovatt a local field ecologist, and Butterfly Conservation Ireland.”Johnston continued; “The threat to these protected habitats is due to the rapid encroachment of a invasive alien species, Sea Buckthorn, which is new to the area. Sea Buckthorn develops into dense shrub,eliminating all ground vegetation where ever it grows. In the case of Butterfly Conservation Ireland, this plant was encroaching on the sole larval food plant for the localised population of the Small Blue Butterfly which is classified as an Endangered Species and which requires an unshaded habitat. This invasive plant is also putting at risk the future of the rare plant, Hairy Violet at Burrow. “ Johnston added; “As a result Duncan Smith TD and I made strong representations to Fingal County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to have this problem tackled as a matter of urgency. As a result, we are very pleased that Fingal County Council have been awarded funding for the removal of this invasive plant from our sand dunes. “Johnston concluded; “In recent days we have been informed that Fingal County Council will be tendering for these works within the next fortnight with the works expected to be carried out shortly thereafter. Hopefully the treatment will prevent the regrowth of this alien species in the Burrow. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have also confirmed that the National Parks and Wildlife Service is preparing a tender request for expertise to carry out a review of Sea Buckthorn in Ireland which we warmly welcome.”