FORUM Connemara CLG
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The Dúlra Project

The Dúlra Project



The Dúlra Project.

Dúlra, which translates as "Nature" in Irish, aims to address the serious issue of controlling the spread of Rhododendron Ponticum in the ecologically sensitive areas along the Mayo and Galway border.


FORUM Connemara CLG would like to extend its gratitude for the funding provided by the National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) and the support from the Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP, an EU-funded LIFE Integrated Project, as well as the continued support from the local community, landowners, and volunteers. The success of the Dúlra project relies on the collective effort of all stakeholders committed to preserving the natural heritage of this unique landscape.

Rhododendron, an invasive species, poses a significant threat to the delicate balance of the local ecosystem in areas of Mayo and Connemara. While its vibrant pink flowers may seem picturesque, this non-native plant has rapidly spread and outcompeted native vegetation, leading to a decline in biodiversity and the loss of habitat for native wildlife.

The project initially came about as a collaboration between FORUM Connemara’s Agri-EIP, the North Connemara Locally Led Agri-Environmental (NCLLAES) Scheme and the Leenane Development Association who have been working on addressing this issue for the past two years.

"When the NCLLAES ended in March, we were determined to ensure that the livelihoods of the dedicated workers, along with their considerable skills and experience, would not be lost," stated Dermot Flaherty, project coordinator of the Dúlra project. "We are thrilled to have secured funding from the NPWS and Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP project, which enables us to continue this vital work."

For further information on the scheme please contact:
Roisin Gannon, Project Facilitator at +353 (87) 405 1135
Dermot Flaherty, Project Co-ordinator at 095 41116

  • FORUM Connemara's Dúlra Project Provided Training for the Connemara Community in Environmental Management.

    FORUM Connemara CLG was pleased to offer a unique opportunity for locals in the Connemara area to receive free training in various Environmental Management skills. These skills, such as Fencing, Chainsaw use and Pesticide / Herbicide use are key skills for those, specialising in the control of invasive species and environmental restoration.

    We are very thankful to Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP for the funding to provide these training places to the people of Connemara.

    The training was run during the month of February and the training is free of charge to 70 successful applicants.

    Prospective training candidates were invited to submit their interest and the Closing Date for Applications to participate in the training program was 31st January at 12:00pm. Please note that, due to a limited number of available training places, not all applicants were allocated a training space.

    Thank you to all who applied - we had 85 applications and are delighted to say that 70 people were trained across Moyard, Maam, Recess, Inverin and Rosmuc.

    This training increased the local skillset needed to tackle invasive species and ensures there is a workforce available locally should further roles in Environmental management come up.

  • Dúlra's approach to tackling the rhododendron problem involves a stem herbicide application, as advised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as well as awareness campaigns. The project emphasises a collaborative approach, working closely with local landowners, volunteers, and relevant authorities to maximize the impact of their efforts.

    Dúlra's initial focus in tackling the spread of rhododendron will be in the Erriff area in Mayo, where the encroachment of rhododendrons has reached critical levels.
    The project's dedicated team of ten professionals, had been actively collaborating with farmers to control rhododendron growth in the Connemara farmlands as part of FORUM’s NCLLAES scheme. Their extensive skills and experience have been instrumental in mitigating the threat posed by this invasive species.As part of the Dúlra project, the team has shifted their efforts towards the areas surrounding Letterfrack and they have also collaborated with farmers to identify areas in South Connemara that they hope to address. These regions have also experienced a rapid encroachment of rhododendrons, threatening the local flora and fauna. By expanding their operations, the Dúlra team hopes to effectively manage and control the spread of this invasive species, protecting the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

  • For further information, please contact FORUM Connemara at 095-41116 or r.gannon@forumconnemara.ie.