Comment on Risk Assessments

Many non-native (also known as alien) species pose a potential threat to the island of Ireland; however, it is often uncertain which species pose the greatest threat and to what extent.

Detailed risk assessment is one of the processes used to assess the potential threat a species poses based on the best available evidence. Its aim is to assist decision-making in the face of uncertainty.

The risk assessment process is separated into four components reflected in the risk assessment template. Namely, Introduction and Entry, Establishment, Spread, and Impact.

These are assessed separately, under both the current climate and foreseeable climate change conditions. The influence of climate change on the risk is then further summarised before determining the overall risk posed by a species.

Risk assessment should:

• Be based on the best available information that is in line with current scientific data.
• Be objective, transparent, and have risk rating scores that are justified.
• Be well documented and supported with primary references to scientific literature and other sources, including expert opinion where necessary.
• Document uncertainties, assumptions made, and the effect of these on the final risk estimate.

Finally, risk assessments should only include assessments of risk. Risk assessments should not generally include other topics such as the feasibility of management. These should be considered separately.

Detailed risk assessments are first drafted by an expert on the non-native species, the species’ taxonomic group, or environment invaded and then peer reviewed by another independent expert.

Both the assessment and peer review are then considered by a panel of independent risk analysis experts (the Invasive and Non-native Species Risk Analysis Advisory Panel, or INRAP), who support quality control and determine whether the risk assessment is fit-for-purpose.

Once detailed risk assessments have passed through these stages, stakeholders and the public are invited to comment on the evidence presented in the risk assessments. The period of comment is typically six weeks.

Risk assessment is a key decision support tool. For example, risk assessment can be used to support prioritisation of the many non-native species found across the island of Ireland. Risk assessment may also underpin decision-making. It is does not dictate or recommend a specific policy response. However, risk assessment has an important role to play in collating the evidence used to help determine which species to add to the list of regulated invasive species on relevant legislation.

Public comment on risk assessments

Public and stakeholder comment on the evidence presented in a risk assessment helps ensure that the drafting process considers all available data relating to the risk a particular species may have for the island of Ireland. Typically, once a risk assessment is completed, comments are invited for a period of five weeks.

There are currently no risk assessments open for public comment. 

The last risk assessment that was open for public comment was Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel). This public comment period was open for five weeks and was closed at 5pm on 17th September 2026. The comments received are now being analysed. When the risk assessment is finalised, it will be available here: Risk Assessed Species – Invasives.ie

Previous risk assessments can be viewed here: Risk Assessed Species – Invasives.ie