Invasive species are causing severe damage to our natural plant and wildlife.
animals, bugs and plants not native to Ireland have been introduced or released into the country in the last few decades and are causing serious concern.
A video posted by Carrick on Shannon tidy towns this week asked the public for their help in identifying a small furry creature spotted along the river.
It was an American Mink, a creature used in fur farms in Ireland for decades before they were banned.
The cute but fearsome creature has a reputation and to learn more I've been talking to an expert.
Owen Murphy Project manager breeding wader EIP, a 25 million euro co-funded initiative supported by the Department of Agriculture and the marine and the national Parks and wildlife services.
He's been telling me about the American Mink and other invasive species in the country.
