COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 14, 2024

QUESTION NO.3

QUESTION: Councillor D. Adelaide

To ask the Chief Executive if glyphosate is used by council staff and contractors, and if so what was the total amount used in 2023 and thus far in 2024?

REPLY:

Glyphosate based herbicides are used by both the Public Realm Operations Section and the Council's road sweeping contractor for the control of weeds.  The total usage in 2023 is recorded as 942 litres while the total usage in 2024 to date is 832 litres and this can be expected to rise slightly before the end of year.  The reduction arises from the Council's efforts to reduce the usage of glyphosate where possible in line with the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive.  It is worth noting that the laneways in Palmerstown and Dublin 12 have been fully cleaned including weed removal and treatment throughout the year.  A tender competition to procure a new road sweeping service to commence from 1 January 2025 is underway and this includes a requirement to reduce the use of glyphosate in the provision of the contract services year on year throughout the contract period.