Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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It is appropriate that the Minister is taking this matter as I bring it before the House following a letter that appeared in The Irish Times recently from a constituent of his, a Ms Jane Jackson. Based on the information she provided, I felt it a matter appropriate to the Adjournment. Japanese knotweed grows vigorously and it out-competes all other plants beneath it. It is spread in Ireland not by seed, as only the female plant is present in the country, as far as we know, but by crown, stem and underground root. Any cut pieces are capable of regenerating into new plants, and it is imperative that councils around the country are made aware of this, as crews cutting hedgerows are the main cause of the spread at present. This is evident as one drives along our roads, and such an exponential spread could otherwise only happen with seeds. The current practices of local authorities are unwittingly leading to the proliferation of this noxious weed.

Along river banks, the knotweed quickly spreads as pieces are broken and drift downstream. In winter, as foliage dies back, there is no undergrowth to protect river banks and therefore erosion readily takes place, with pieces of the root further infecting banks. It is quite alarming how fast this particular weed has taken over not just hedgerows but entire fields and gardens, and something must be put in place to deal with the safe disposal of the plant. The longer this is ignored, the more expensive this problem will become, and in the UK there is an environmental code of conduct applying to the abolition of knotweed. That is absent in this country so I would be grateful for the Minister's observations as to whether he recognises and acknowledges the problem and if he could outline attempts to have it eliminated from our countryside.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I thank Senator Mooney for raising the matter this evening.

The species referred to by the Senator was first introduced to Ireland over 100 years ago. It forms dense thickets along roadsides, waste grounds and waterways, reproduces by vegetative means and is difficult to kill off once it becomes established. This plant is included in the list of the 100 most invasive alien species of the world. It forms dense cover causing native plant species to die off. It also grows to heights of 2 m to 3 m and reduces visibility along roadsides while also making access to sites difficult for walkers and anglers. In some instances its roots can damage paths and walls.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has been working with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to fund and manage the Invasive Species Ireland project since 2006. This initiative provides advice and guidance on the management of a range of invasive species, including the species referred to, which can negatively impact on the environment and on property on the island of Ireland. Best practice management guidelines for the species in question have been published and can be accessed on the project website. These guidelines provide practical advice to persons and organisations, including local authorities, on the removal and disposal of Japanese knotweed. A central requirement when dealing with Japanese Knotweed is to ensure that any viable rhizomes, the main means by which the plant spreads, are not given the chance to escape into the wider environment. It is recommended to spray the plant with a systemic herbicide prior to transport, to ensure no material is lost en route, and finally that the material is deeply buried in a properly managed landfill with an effective pest control management system which can deal with any regrowth.

I should also point out that the National Roads Authority has produced guidelines which can assist local authorities on the management of noxious weeds and non-native invasive plant species on national roads, which includes a section on the treatment of Japanese knotweed. The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 includes provisions relating to controlling the possession and dispersal of ecologically harmful and invasive species of animals and plants, including Japanese knotweed. Regulation 50 of these regulations, which include provisions relating to the banning for sale of invasive species listed in the schedule to the regulations, is not yet in effect. It is necessary for my Department to carry out risk assessments on those invasive species subject to trade before I can bring this element of the regulations into force.

My Department is keeping abreast of initiatives currently under way in Britain using a specific insect to control Japanese knotweed. It is possible that such controls could be applied to Irish conditions without risk to native or economically important plants here.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I am grateful for the comprehensive reply and I am particularly encouraged that the regulation referred to is currently being evaluated. I hope it will not be too long before it is put in place. As the Department is keeping abreast of initiatives under way in Britain, is it within the Minister's remit to encourage local authorities, through his Department, to address the issue and become more aware of the guidelines? The Minister has indicated the guidelines exist but it seems that local authorities are not aware of the manner in which this weed proliferates and that they must be careful about the manner in which they disassemble, transport it and bury it. Does the Minister have any role in that regard?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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We can certainly send a communiqué to local authorities, which we do on a regular basis, advising about the proliferation of the knotweed around the country. It is more prevalent in some areas than others and, for example, it grows on river banks etc. It is presenting as a major nuisance and I have seen how it can adversely affect paths and river eco-systems. I will advise my officials to deliver the message to various local authorities through county managers, and particularly how it can come to terms with the proliferation of Japanese knotweed. I will take the Senator's advice.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister.