Kilkenny landowners told - Knotweed removal ‘responsibility of landowners, not council’
Kilkenny landowners are being reminded that the upkeep of their public facing lands are their responsibility.
Problems like the removal of the invasive species, Japanese Knotweed, and hedge trimming are not usually tasks that are undertaken by Kilkenny County Council, the recent meeting of Callan Thomastown municipal councillors was told.
The issue was raised by Cllr Joe Lyons who pointed out there is Japanese Knotweed growing on the Windgap Road, near Callan.
Area Engineer, Declan Murphy, clarified that the legal responsibility for the removal of any invasive species is on the landowner.
Caution was urged, however.
Director of Services, Fiona Deegan, highlighted that there is a very specific, technical process around the removal of Japanese Knotweed.
Always seek professional advice, do not strim or cut the plant and don’t move soil from around it.
Mr Murphy suggested landowners could get advice from the Council’s Environmental Officer.
Meanwhile, Mr Murphy said that some verge trimming of hedgerows was planned on regional roads expecting increased traffic due to the closure of the Ferrymountgarret Bridge.
While there is a ban on hedge cutting between March 1 and August 31, under the Wildlife Act, limited ‘verging’ or ‘breasting’ of overgrowth can be undertaken in the interests of road safety. Overgrowth at junctions reported to the council will be dealt with, however maintenance of hedgerows is the responsibility of landowners.