Council takes on toxic plant
Cork County Council has advanced efforts in controlling an infestation of an invasive and toxic plant along the River Bride in East Cork.
The plant, known as giant hogweed, is a particular problem from Castlelyons to Tallow, where the river enters Waterford.
Giant hogweed was introduced to Ireland in the 19th century as an ornamental plant for gardens. However, it quickly colonised and is now classed as a high impact invasive species.
Its sap can cause irritation when it comes into contact with human skin and can eliminate the skin’s ability to protect itself from sunlight which can lead to blistering if exposed to the sun.
The plant can grow up to 5 metres tall, outcompeting native plants, while its root system can undermine riverbanks leading to erosion and bank destabilisation. Cork County Council has been working with the BRIDE Farming with Nature team since 2019 to survey, map and address the issue of invasive plants, resulting in the formation of the Bride Valley Invasive Species Project. The project is now targeting a 5km stretch of the river from Castlelyons to the Metal Bridge at Ballyrobert.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Danny Collins commended the Bride Valley Invasive Species Project for its work and said he is hopeful that with the help of local landowners the toxic plant will be eliminated.
The mayor said: “Invasive plants can cause significant problems when they take hold and the giant hogweed is a particularly nasty species. It thrives in moist, rich soil like riverbanks, growing to huge heights, affecting our native plants and causing erosion. However, it’s the effect that it has on humans that is most concerning.”
The programme involves spraying the giant hogweed early in the season when plants are small and the least amount of spray is needed. This reduces the impact upon other plant species in the area.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said: “I am delighted to report that all landowners in the area are fully on board with the project. This is vital for it to succeed as any area left untreated will provide a future source of infestation and could jeopardise the success of the project.” Mr Lucy confirmed that funding has been secured through the National Biodiversity Action Plan for a further three years for the project.
“We know that this problem will not be solved in one year and that a follow up programme will need to be carried out by landowners for a number of years depending on the severity of the infestation on their land,” he added.
A Bride Valley Giant Hogweed Information Leaflet is now available and can be downloaded from thebrideproject.ie or can be picked up at Castlelyons Co-op hardware store.