€10,000 in funding has set aside to advance an invasive species eradication programme in South-East Clare.
A comprehensive programme to eradicate Giant Hogweed in Clonlara, Mountcatherine and Gillogue had been sought by Cllr Michael Begley (IND) “to include both public and private land”.
Senior executive engineer with the Shannon Municipal District, Tom Mellett confirmed that funding of €10,000 had been received from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to advance an invasive species eradication programme focusing on the Blackwater River and Erinagh Canal on both public and private property.
Mellett confirmed that the Shannon MD has engaged a contractor to treat Giant Hogweed along the public road verges in Clonlara and Parteen. Two periods of treatment have taken place in 2021, he confirmed.
Frustration continues in South-East Clare when it comes to Giant Hogweed, Cllr Begley stated. “Nearly all of the Hogweed in my area has come to seed, that means it has spread. Even if one tenth comes to root, it will continue to spread rapidly”.
Begley added, “I really emphasise the necessity to have a programme in place and to have started it in an early part of the year when stalks are quite low and can’t go to seed. This is one project I would not recommend the community having a part to play because of the potential health hazard”.
Residents have been left with “severe burns” on their neck and arms because of the Hogweed, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) cautioned.
Despite the Council’s commitment, the species remains a problem, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) stated. “This invasive species is a big issue and can injure people using the public facilities. Half the trees in the county are dead because of ivy. We have a huge issue with invasive species”.
Hogweed is growing in Shannon Banks all along the walkway, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) informed Council officials at a recent meeting of the Shannon MD.
