CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL is seeking the public’s assistance in curbing the spread of Japanese knotweed.

The invasive species can negatively impact native plants, as well as seriously undermine the structural integrity of roads, buildings and car parks.

The local authority is asking the public to record all sightings of Japanese knotweed wherever they occur in order to assist in determining the extent of the infestation across the county.

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.

Clare County Council has said that recording the extent of the infestation of the plant throughout the county is “critical to tackling the problem and undertaking appropriate eradication programmes”. All sightings of invasive species should be reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre – online or via 051 306240 or invasives@biodiversityireland.ie.

Workshops 

The council has organised a series of workshops on Japanese knotweed, facilitated by specialist Dr Frances Giaquinto, who has worked extensively in management of the plant. The workshops are free of charge and open to members of the public.

They will be held from 6.30pm to 8.30pm in the coming weeks at the following locations:

• Wednesday 19 July: The Civic Room, Buttermarket Building, Drumbiggle, Ennis
• Thursday 20 July: The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon
• Monday 24 July: McNamara’s Bar, Scarriff
• Tuesday 25 July: Oakwood Arms Hotel, Shannon
• Wednesday 26 July: Kilrush Golf Club
• Thursday 27 July: The Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe

“The aim of each workshop is to raise awareness, to help the general public to identify Japanese knotweed and related species, and to give them advice on what actions to take if they come across knotweed on their own property or locality,” Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer with Clare County Council, said.

More information can be found on the council’s website.

Read: Not just the rhododendrons: What’s being done about invasive plant species in Ireland?

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