The public has been asked to report the whereabouts of an alien plant which could wipe out many Irish plants and cause severe structural damage to roads, paths, graveyards and archaeological sites.
Already, the Japanese knotweed (fallopia japonica) has colonised many parts of west Galway, and has taken over river banks alongside Galway city's university.
Away from its native region in Asia, Japanese knotweed is one of the most invasive plants in the world, and it is a severe problem in many European countries.
The super-weed grows at a phenomenal four inches a day, and will reach between 2m to 3m high in summer.
One little plant may look innocent enough but, spreading by underground rhizomes, it can rapidly colonise large areas, very quickly forming tall, dense knotweed "jungles" which crowd out native plants.
For the first time a serious attempt is being made in Co Galway to identify where the plant is growing. A research project is ongoing at NUI Galway in conjunction with People and Nature, a Co Galway biodiversity project, to investigate the spread of the plant.
Elaine O'Riordan, of the applied ecology unit at the centre for environmental science, NUI Galway, said the weed, which had been introduced as a garden plant, was now growing in many parts of the country.
"Even a small portion of the plant can spread, and by cutting it you can spread and create a whole new colony.
"The problem is so bad in the UK that some councils have appointed special officers to find it and get rid of it before it damages the local flora and fauna," she said.
"We are trying to map out the location of the plant here in Galway so a start can be made to getting rid of it, not only here but in the rest of the country as well."
Describing the knotweed as a "menace", she said it was easily recognised by its distinctive stems of green with purple or red specks, resembling bamboo canes when it dies back at this time of year.
She said in the summer it could be recognised by large oval leaves and the sprays of small, creamy flowers carried on zig-zag stalks which can be seen along many waterways, railways and roads in the country.