COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, November 22, 2021

QUESTION NO.

QUESTION: Councillor K. Mahon

''To ask the manager whether Glyphosate has been used on hedgerows by the Council in the last months and particularly whether it has been used on the hedgerows along the Avonbeg Road? Additionally can s/he please comment on the matter of glyphosate use by SDCC?''

REPLY:

The Council's Public Realm Section does not spray hedgerows.    The location in question along Avonbeg Road has been examined and no evidence could be found that would indicate that the hedgerow has been sprayed. The works contractor for the N81 landscape upgrade scheme has been working in this area removing some sections of bramble between the hedge and the Whitestown Stream by hand.  These areas will be replanted as part of the upgrade scheme.  The works contractor has confirmed that they have not used herbicide in the area during the course of their work. 

The Public Realm Section continues to implement the terms of the motion which was adopted by the Council in 2017 when a partial ban on the use of glyphosate was agreed in relation to the non-use of this chemical in Council parks, playgrounds and public gardens.  The use of glyphosate has reduced substantially as a result of implementing this motion.  The Council's road sweeping contractor continues to use glyphosate based herbicide for weed control on hard surfaces which are included within the scope and terms of their contract.