Noxious Weeds.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2006

Wednesday, 22 February 2006

Ceisteanna (243)

Pat Breen

Ceist:

285 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures which are being taken to tackle the growing problem of the invasive species, Japanese knotweed, in rural areas of County Clare and other parts of the country; the budget available for eradication measures; if her Department is liaising with local authorities on eradication measures; her views on listing same on the Noxious Weeds Act 1936 in view of the fact that it is listed on the global invasive species database as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species and is also listed on the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7311/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Noxious Weeds Act 1936 was introduced to deal with specific weeds which posed a threat to farm productivity. Japanese knotweed, Reynoutria japonica, has not been classified as a noxious weed under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936 on the basis that it has no agricultural significance and is not harmful to animals or crops. Accordingly I have no plans to list it under the Noxious Weeds Act. Invasive species are the responsibility of the national parks and wildlife services and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.