COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 08, 2018

QUESTION NO.4

QUESTION: Councillor D. Looney

To ask the Chief Executive to confirm the Council´s policy on the phasing out of glysophate, to describe the products being used in its place, and to make a statement on the matter. 

REPLY:

In 2016, awaiting the European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA)opinion on carcinogenicity for glyphosate, the EC agreed a limited extension of the approval of glyphosate until 31st of December 2017.

In March 2017 ECHA classified glyphosate as non-carcinogenic, providing the EC the information required to grant a 15 year approval.

Given that Glyphosate is an approved active substance in the EU, and that the existing registrations in Ireland remain in place with no scientific or technical grounds on which to base any regulatory action, South Dublin County Council continues to use weed killer which contains glyphosate.  This use is particularly associated with the management of Japanese Knotwood as it is not possible to effectively deal with the Japanese Knotweed issue without using glyphosate based products.

Nonetheless, in line with a motion passed heretofore by the Elected Members of this Council in relation to the use of glyphosate,it is not used in certain areas such as public parks, playgrounds and public gardens.

South Dublin County Council also continues to trial alternatives.