COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 13, 2023

QUESTION NO. 21

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the chief executive for a report on glyphosate after a recent study showing that More than one in four Irish children test positive for weedkiller chemical glyphosate , can he confirm the council stance on this?

REPLY:

It has not been possible to obtain a copy of the report from the research referred to here which was carried out by NUIG into the presence of glyphosate in the environment, any comments made here are based on media reporting of the research.  It is understood that the research project included the testing of urine samples provided by approximately 200 people across both farming and non farming backgrounds.  The results showed that around 25% of those tested had glyphosate in their urine, however this was found to be at levels well below the safe level as determined by the EU.  

The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD) establishes a framework within which EU member states can achieve the sustainable use of pesticides by setting minimum rules to reduce the risks to human health and the environment that are associated with pesticide use. The Directive is designed to further enhance the high level of protection achieved through the entire regulatory system for pesticides.  Implementation of the SUD relies heavily on the training of the various people involved at all levels including professional users and sprayer operators and such a training programme is in place for the relevant Council staff.  This Council adopted a partial ban on the use of glyphosate in 2017 and this ban continues to be implemented by the Council's Public Realm Section.  The partial ban prohibits the use of glyphosate in Council parks, playgrounds and public gardens.

The current approval for the use of glyphosate is due to expire this year and the matter will be considered further by the European Commission at the appropriate time.  This Council will comply fully with whatever decisions are made regarding the continued use, or otherwise, of glyphosate based herbicides.