COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

MOTION NO. 12

MOTION: Councillor E. Murphy

"To ask if signage noting the presence of Japanese Knotweed can be erected in the the areas affected by the invasive species on the Willbrook Road and around the Tuning Fork area?"

REPORT:

"A programme to map the occurrence of non-native invasive species was initiated in 2016 by the Council's 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 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.  The provision of information signage in areas affected by Japanese Knotweed will be considered by the Invasive Species Management Team, to determine if it can form a part of the overall action place for eradication of this problem."