asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that on many private lands and on lands under the control of local authorities the Noxious Weeds Act, 1936, is not being implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Noxious Weeds Act.
52.
I am satisfied that, with the co-operation of the Garda Síochána, the Act is being enforced as effectively as practicable. There is wide publicity each year on the obligation to destroy noxious weeds and this is followed up with warnings in numerous individual cases and, where necessary, with prosecutions. Complaints made to my Department or to the local Garda are also duly investigated.
I am amazed to see at the edge of Tralee a section of land where large quantities of weeds are growing. This land may be the property of the Board of Works. There is around 20 acres of this ragweed growing there.
If the Deputy gives me some information about this I will have it investigated.
I will refer it to the Garda authorities.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the Dublin Corporation area these noxious weeds are growing on the byeways and roads and are an obstruction to people who are trying to grow vegetables in their gardens? Will he take some steps to enforce the regulations?
I will have the Deputy's views conveyed to the authorities.
The authority is Dublin Corporation but the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries must take responsibility for this.
The matter will be dealt with.