Knotweed delays works on Rathvilly pedestrian crossing

CONSTRUCTION of a new pedestrian crossing in Rathvilly has been delayed because county council engineers have found Japanese Knotweed at the site.

Pat Harrington, senior executive engineer, described the invasive plant as “our old friend” and went on to explain to the recent meeting of Tullow Municipal District that the engineers couldn’t move on with the project until the removal of the plant was negotiated with landowners.

“It’s a really amphibious little plant,” said Mr Harrington in a frustrated, but slightly awe-filled, tone.

In response to a question from cllr Brian O’Donoghue, Mr Harrington noted that the council keeps a register of where Japanese Knotweed is on public ground so it can be treated every year.

“It is only a treatment,” that makes the plant dormant, noted Mr Harrington. “It will bloom back in the morning. All you can do is put it to sleep.” Cllr John Pender asked what individuals who suspect the plant is on their land should – or must – do, and how it is identified.

Mr Harrington said it isn’t difficult to identify the plant “once you know what you’re looking for”.

“It’s actually quite a boring plant, but has a reddish stem and has green leaves and if you’re not sure and you need to identify it, you can look at the website because you need to start treating right away,” he said.

Orla Barrett, senior engineer, added that there are booklets about invasive species available from the environment section of Carlow Co Council.

“Is it radioactive?” asked one of the councillors. 

Cllr Pender asked them to take it seriously. “My understanding is if this plant gets into a property, it can damage buildings and it’s extremely dangerous and it seems to be spreading all over.” 

The engineers agreed with him.