The relevant legislation in relation to the control of Japanese Knotweed and other alien invasive species is the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations (SI 477 of 2011).  Under Regulation 49(2) of those regulations any person who plants, disperses, allows or causes to disperse, spreads or otherwise causes to grow Japanese knotweed or any of the other invasive plants listed in the Third Schedule of S.I. No. 477 of 2011 is guilty of an offence.  Furthermore Sections 52(7) and (8) of the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended make it an offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow in a wild state exotic species of plants.

 

Local authorities have no direct enforcement role in relation to invasive alien species.  The National Parks and Wildlife Service is the primary regulatory and enforcement authority.  Local Authorities as landowners have the same responsibilities as other landowners to comply with the relevant legislation.

In this regard South Dublin County Council commenced a programme in 2017 to survey, map and treat all invasive alien species in the County.  To date approximately 300 sites have been identified and these are treated on an annual basis and also surveyed and mapped on an annual basis to record the effectiveness of the treatment programme.   The treatment involves the application of glyphosate based herbicide using knapsack sprayer where suitable, and by stem injection where the herbicide is to be applied in a sensitive area such as close to a riverbank.