COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

QUESTION NO. 8

QUESTION: Councillor S. Holland

"Japanese Knotweed" - I know of one property affected by this insidious plant and once it gets into drains or under walls, it can damage foundations & drainage systems and cost thousands to rectify.

Can we identify areas where this waterside plant is prevalent and initiate a strategy for the elimination of it?

It has been proven to decrease property values and could result in costs for SDCC.

The case I reported off the Whitechurch Road was ineffectively dealt with by SDCC - spreading weedkiller half heartedly does nothing?"

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council commenced pilot trials during 2014 in five locations around the County to establish the best means for eradication of Japanese Knotweed.  These trials are ongoing and are being conducted across the County in Rathfarnham, Palmerston, Lucan and Clondalkin.  The results of the trials will be assessed in 2015 to determine their effectiveness and establish if re-growth has occurred.  A further report can be made available on the matter once the assessment of trials has been carried out.  It should also be noted that the Council will soon embark on the process to prepare a biodiversity plan for the County which will entail as a key objective the development of a strategy for dealing with invasive species including Japanese Knotweed.  The Council's Heritage Officer will be reporting to Area Committee meetings on this matter in the new year.