Ulster Unionist MEP, Jim Nicholson, has backed plans to combat Japanese knotweed and other invasive alien species. These include foreign plants, animals or insects which can carry diseases, harm the environment, damage property or cause economic losses.

Speaking after the recent vote in the European Parliament's Environment Committee, Mr Nicholson said:

“Invasive alien species pose an enormous challenge to the local economy and the environment. Estimates suggest that the cost of these species to the Northern Ireland economy alone is approximately £46.5million per year with wider implications for biodiversity.

"There are many examples locally which highlight the costly impact of alien species, including; floating pennywort in the Faughan and Clanrye rivers, Zebra mussels in Lough Neagh and Lough Erne or the damage caused to homes, businesses and infrastructure by Japanese knotweed.

“It is estimated that invasive alien species cause environmental, economic and social damage worth €12 billion per year to the EU. The proposals voted through by MEPs aim to reduce this cost by preventing the spread of invasive alien species within the EU, enhance early detection, and protect biodiversity.

"Although many local government, community and environment partnerships are involved in controlling invasive species in their areas it is vital that action is taken at an EU-wide level to reduce the spread of new species in the EU which will in turn help to reduce the damage to the environment and costs to the economy.”

The proposals will now go forward to further negotiations with the Greek Presidency of the Council before a final version is voted on by Parliament.