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Click here to go back Details of this species in Ireland Status: Alien Invasiveness: Invasive Occurrence: Reported Source: Mayle, B. and Smith, L., in press Arrival Date: 1911 Introduction: Species Notes for this Location: Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) were introduced to Ireland on just one occasion, in 1911 to County Longford, in the north midlands. They quickly became established, and were seen to spread to neighbouring counties and beyond. They are currently found throughout the eastern half of the country, though their spread to the west is being impeded by the River Shannon. Red squirrel numbers have always been prone to fluctuation in Ireland, and they may even have gone extinct in the late 18th century due to deforestation in the country. They were reintroduced on a number of occasions during the 1800s, and at the start of the 20th century were present in all counties of Ireland. Since the introduction of the grey squirrel, red squirrel numbers have been in decline, and they are now missing from large areas of the centre and east of the country (Mayle, B. and Smith, L., in press). Management Notes for this Location: Considered a pest by 1930, there have been various attempts over the years to control or eradicate the grey squirrel. Location Notes: Last Modified: 17/10/2005 2:27:50 p.m.