Japanese Knotweed set to have 'field day' Laois council warned
An invasive species that damages roads and house foundations is in danger of spreading rapidly, due to new restrictions on weedkillers.
Cllr Ollie Clooney, who is also a market gardener, delivered the warning at a recent meeting in Laois County Council where Cllr Seamus McDonald, Fianna Fáil, raised the control of Japanese knotweed.
He tabled a motion calling on Laois County Council to inspect and treat knotweed at Cavan Heath, Ballyfin.
Cllr McDonald described the weed as ‘terrible’ and it has ‘taken over’ in the vicinity of two houses.
Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent, supported but warned that the weed could soon spread rapidly due to restrictions on the sale of the weedkiller Roundup from next year.
“If that goes. Knotweed is going to have a field day,” he said.
Cllr John King, Fine Gael, wondered if it is possible to kill the weed.
Cllr James Kelly, Independent, said the existence of the weed had prevented the council from buying sites for housing.
Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, replied in writing to the motion.
“Japanese knotweed is an invasive non-native weed. Where the species is identified on the public road efforts will be made to control its growth over the summer months,” he said.
In reply to Cllr King he said a treatment regime is needed over a number of seasons of growth.
The European Commission has extended the EU authorization for the use of the herbicide glyphosate until the end of 2023. Roundup is the most widely used herbicide in agriculture. It is claimed that glyphosate is poisonous to humans, wildlife and the environment.
The issue was raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.