Giant Hogweed control programme resumes in west Tipperary
The Local Authority Waters Programme is embarking on the second year of its action plan to eradicate the invasive species of plant along waterways in the Cappawhite area
The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), through its Farming for Water EIP project, is embarking on the second year of its action plan to control and eradicate a giant hogweed infestation in west Tipperary and also to improve water quality in the locality.
Last year Giant Hogweed removal contractors inspected and treated 11.3km of the Cappawhite Stream and 6km of the Toem Stream towards the end of the summer.
These severe hogweed infestations occur along sections of the Toem, Cappawhite and Cahernahallia tributaries of the upper Mulkear/Dead River catchment in the Cappawhite area and can have a serious impact on water quality, ecology and biodiversity.
Over the coming weeks, a further programme of treatment is scheduled in the affected areas. A specialist contractor has been appointed and will first survey the areas to identify exactly where hogweed is growing. This will be followed by treatment on agricultural lands with the cooperation of landowners.
LAWPRO Director Anthony Coleman said: “In order for the project to succeed it is vital that all landowners upon whose land giant hogweed exists, participate and support the programme by applying to the Farming for Water EIP project for assistance.”
“Agricultural advisors will be in contact with farmers in the affected areas to help them apply to the project and avail of funding to undertake other additional measures which can help to improve and protect water quality in the overall river catchment.”
Giant Hogweed is a non-native invasive hazardous plant, which can cause serious skin burns and other health issues. Children are particularly at risk. Giant hogweed should not, however, be confused with regular hogweed which is evident in ditches along many local roadways.
The Farming for Water EIP, which has its headquarters at Rossmore Neighbourhood Centre in Tipperary Town, is a project which aims to support farmers in placing “the right measures in the right place” by taking a targeted approach to managing risk to water quality from their farms.