KNOTWEED IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM

THE Save Our Laune group will hold a special public event this Saturday to try spread awareness on the consequences for our rivers due to the spread of plant species other than Japanese Knotweed.

Spokesperson for the group, Jane Jackson, said there is a tendency to focus on Japanese Knotweed while overlooking damage caused by other unwanted plants. Rhododendron and Himalayan Balsam are two such species present along Kerry’s rivers that are not receiving the same level of attention as Knotweed yet cause just as much damage.

“The only reason they are fixated on Knotweed is because of its impact on the housing and construction sector. However, the thing that should concern us long-term is the impact on the environment and there are other species at work here as well as Knotweed,” Jane said.

While knotweed is present in over one-fifth of the River Laune, the River Maine is affected by the spread of Himalayan Balsam; the Flesk River by an influx of Rhododendron - all of which require an inclusive environmental strategy rather than simply focusing on one specific type of species.

“Often the roots of these plants are shallow and when they die back in the winter they cause severe erosion on the river banks. We have just received funding from the Heritage Council and we’re basically building a case so the authorities can act on this problem.”

An idea whereby sections of each river would be assigned to different groups who would then concentre on keeping intrusive plants under control is one such solution Jane feels could work.

“Peter O’Toole of the National Parks came up this idea and it’s something worth exploring. Everything that’s connected with our rivers, from the sky down, impacts on the viability of a river and Saturday’s public gathering will focus on this aspect,” concluded Jane.

Saturday’s ‘Launescape’ takes place at Library Place, Killorglin, from 11am to 4pm and comprises of cultural and environmental displays, exhibitions and talks.

Japanese Knotweed