COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 12, 2016

MOTION NO.13

MOTION: Councillor A-M. Dermody

That the Manager present to this Council a report as to how this Council intends to deal with the escalating problem of Japanese knotweed, a perennial invasive species which threatens native plants, hard surfaces, damages flood defences and reduces river capacity.

When Japanese knotweed dies back in winter it can cause river erosion and the deposits compromise and damage fish spawning. Please provide an action plan on how the Council intends dealing with this problem, along with what measures it intends adopting to prevent the further spread of this weed.  One simple request is that a survey be commissioned, through an ad and on-line campaign seek the support of the public to identify places especially along rivers or in our parks/public spaces where this weed is in existence.

Another such priority area ought to be locations where this invasive species is encroaching onto private property causing damage from land under the control of this Council, thereby exposing this Council to legal action for damages.

REPORT:

A programme to map the occurrence of non-native invasive species was initiated in 2016 by the Heritage Officer in conjunction with Environmental Services, Planning and IT Departments.  A specially designed Phone App for the digital mapping and recording of invasive species in public spaces has now been developed which will form the framework for a programme of treatment and management over the next few years. 

An Invasive Species Management Team has been established who are mapping and identifying locations for inclusion in the general maintenance schedule for 2017.  In addition, the programme is also to include a period of targeted spraying, cutting or removal (whichever technique is the most appropriate for different invasive species) during the correct season for these species e.g. September for Japanese Knotweed.

For Knotweed eradication a routine spraying of a site would need to occur over 4-5 years, the sites will be sprayed during a 4 – 6 week period around September of every year.  The resource provision will be reviewed annually in conjunction with the data that we receive from the mapping exercise.