Tag Archives: Japanese knotweed

JAPANESE Knotweed and other invasive species continue to create problems for communities in County Clare. They can have a devastating impact on biodiversity, environmental health, and community well-being, and they hamper our efforts to slow the pace of climate change. To help counter its effect, the Clare Local Development Company is conducting practical training seminars in a number of locations in the county. This practical training is for all interested residents living in or near Connolly, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Miltown Malbay, and Mountshannon. At the seminar you will learn: How to identify Japanese knotweed and Himalayan knotweed. How to assess the severity of an infestation and to work out the best method of control. What biosecurity means and how to avoid introduction and dispersal of invasive species. Legislation you must comply with. How to use herbicide safely without causing undue harm to yourself and the environment. You will be the first to see CLDC’s mobile invasive species control unit, which is …

CLARE County Council is to run a series of free public workshops in Ennis, Killaloe, Shannon and Miltown Malbay on controlling Japanese knotweed and other non-native invasive plant species. Led by Clare-based chartered environmentalist and invasive species expert Dr Frances Giaquinto, the practical two-hour workshops will guide members of the public through the steps to effectively control and eradicate non-native invasive plant species from their property. Since it was introduced as an ornamental plant from Japan in the 19th century, Japanese knotweed has spread across the island of Ireland, particularly along watercourses, transport routes and waste grounds where its movement is unrestricted. “The aim of each workshop is to raise awareness, to help the general public to identify Japanese knotweed and other non-native invasive plant species, and to give them advice on what actions to take if they come across knotweed on their own property, or locality”, advised Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer with Clare County Council. The workshops are free …

The North Clare business community is getting involved in keeping the roads and laneways of the Burren tidy through a scheme rolled out by the Burren Ecotourism Network (BEN), and supported by Clare County Council and the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark Over 30 businesses have already signed up to the Adopt a Hedgerow Scheme, which sees participants clearing, monitoring and reporting on litter in the protected landscape of the Burren. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark is providing training and materials to BEN under the GeoparkLIFE project to ensure that adopt a hedgerow becomes a long term scheme that will inspire other business communities in other parts of the county. BEN says the scheme will be extended in June to include the reporting of invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Dogwood, which can negatively impact on native species that have been part of the Burren ecosystem for millennia. “Each of the participating businesses, which are all members of our network, is taking …

THE provision of a car park, as part of the re-development of Cusack Park in Ennis, cannot proceed for six years because of the presence of the invasive Japanese knotweed. This comes as a serious setback for Clare GAA, who had counted on a new 200-space car park as a major income-generating source and had reached agreement with Clare County Council in relation to this. The six-year treatment plan was considered to be the most cost-effective way to address the problem, the alternative being to clear the site to a considerable depth and store the contaminated soil and weeds in isolation. It’s understood that would have cost in the region of €150,000. Delegates at this week’s county board meeting were told that the first year’s treatment has been applied in accordance with guidelines and experts in the area of dealing with the problem had been engaged. Meanwhile, delegates were told at Tuesday’s meeting that clubs will have to pay a …