Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the recent upsurge in the prevalence of noxious weeds, including Ragwort and Japanese Knotweed inside the Royal Canal proposed Natural Heritage Area, especially along the recently re-lined sixth level; if he has had any contact with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and or with the Dublin City Manager with a view to addressing the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41371/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department has received no reports for the presence of noxious weeds at the location given by the Deputy.

Notwithstanding this, my Department actively seeks to enforce the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act 1936 which covers Ragwort, Thistle and Docks by engaging with all County Councils, Local Authorities and the National Roads Authority (NRA) to ensure a consistent programme of treatment and disposal of such weeds on an ongoing basis.

In this regard, all County Councils, including Dublin City Council were written to in April of this year emphasising their statutory obligations regarding the control of Noxious Weeds and the importance of implementing appropriate measures for the control, treatment and safe disposal of ragwort.

As it presents no risk to animals or agricultural crops, Japanese Knotweed is classified as an invasive species rather than a Noxious Weed and consequently is dealt with under Department of Environment Regulations (S.I. No. 477 of 2011).