COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
QUESTION NO.2
QUESTION: Councillor E. Fanning
"To ask the Chief Executive for an update on a plan of action for the removal of Japanese Knotweed particularly with the Council's imminent banning of the use of weedkillers containing Glyphosate ingredients?"
REPLY:
"The surveying and mapping of Japanese Knotweed and other invasive species in the County recommenced on July 10th, the public realm section have assigned 2 experienced members of staff to this exercise on a full time basis at present. Surveying to date has focussed on the following areas -
- Main watercourses in the County including the Owendoher River, Whitechurch Stream, Dodder River, Camac River and the river Liffey.
- Public parks in the County including lakes and streams etc.
- Locations which have been reported, both public and private, where Japanese Knotweed and other invasive species are believed to be present.
Surveying and mapping is continuing and good progress has been made on this exercise over the summer months. Treatment has commenced on areas considered to be high priority and this treatment programme will continue through the months of September and October and as long as conditions permit. Information signs have been placed on order and are expected to be delivered into stock during the current week and these will be erected at locations where it is considered necessary.
With regard to treatment of Japanese Knotweed, those areas which are not that well established as yet will be sprayed with herbicide whereas those areas which are well established and which are close to sensitive areas will require stem injection treatment. The equipment necessary for stem injection treatment has been acquired and provided to the staff. It should be noted that the only effective treatment for Japanese Knotweed is the application of a combination of different glyphosate based herbicides which are applied on a rotating basis. While the Council voted to ban the use of glyphosate in certain areas such as public parks, playgrounds and public gardens it will not be possible to effectively deal with the Japanese Knotweed issue without using glyphosate based products."