Actionis neededon Knotweed
LOUTH County Council (LCC) has been called on to instruct the owner of the property adjacent to the Pines Hamlet estate to take action in dealing with the serious infestation of Japanese knotweed which could have serious repercussions for property and environment in Drogheda.
In a written response to the motion, the council said it is an offence under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 to plant, disperse, spread or otherwise cause to grow various specified plants, including Japanese knotweed.
‘A person summarily convicted of such an offence is liable to a fine not exceeding €500,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both,’ they said.
‘ The body responsible for enforcing this law is the National Parks and Wildlife Service, assisted, as necessary, by An Garda Síochána. Louth County Council (LCC) has no role in relation to enforcing this law, except in reporting alleged incidences to the relevant authorities.’
The council went on to say it monitors the presence of Japanese knotweed and similar problem species and records sighting with the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
‘ The council acts to kill Japanese knotweed on its own land and erects warning signs in such areas, to raise awareness and to prevent accidental spread of the plant,’ it added.
Noting the reply, Councillor Culhane asked the council to write to An Garda Siochana asking them to take action under the Noxious Weed Act.
‘I’d go so far as to say it is affecting the footpaths in this area which I would suggest is as a result of the knotweed,’ he said.
Councillor Tommy Byrne supported the motion and said it was a serious problem throughout the local area.
‘We have Japanese knotweed on our own land in The Dale. It would cost €10,000 to clear it. I was shocked at the cost of removing it. It is a huge issue and very timely,’ he said.
Councillor Kevin Callan there is also an issue at Murdochs Carpark along the wall directly opposite the Garda Station. He said the Tidy Towns Committee has had a look at it but didn’t touch it as they suspected it could be Japanese Knotweed.
‘He asked that council.
Councillor Oliver Tully said this was a worldly motion, particularly when Louth County Council has the problem it does have with knotweed along the motorway.
‘We’re all aware of the warning not to touch it and especially not to dig it up as any little part of it at all can grow like wildfire,’ he said.
‘Louth County Council (LCC) should report it and report it to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and ask them to deal with this as a matter or urgency.’
Speaking about the situation at Pines Hamlet, Councillor Pio Smith said his understanding was that it is a no man’s land. ‘If it is what is the council’s responsibility?’ he asked.
However, Councillor Culhane said he believed to owner can be identified. ‘I think it needs signs up, people aren’t aware of the damage it can do,’ he said.
‘It needs to be injected in order to get rid of it. It is a very costly process. We should have signs up warning people not to cut it because it will spread and it will seed.’
Council Engineer Martina Sheeran said the council do have a Section 85 agreement and have engaged Westmeath County Council to deal with parts of it.
‘On our own road networks we have identified locations and made arrangements to carry out treatment. We have been putting up signs on the verges warning the public not to cut or touch it,’ she said. it also be looked at by the