Public meeting on eradication of Giant Hogweed infestation in west Tipperary
The Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO) through its Farming for Water EIP project, and in partnership with Tipperary County Council, the local community and other stakeholders, will hold a public meeting in Cappawhite Community Centre to outline a remedial action plan to control the spread of, and eradicate, a giant hogweed infestation in West Tipperary and also improve water quality in the area.
The public information meeting will take place on Thursday next, October 24th at 7:00pm and will outline the extent of the infestation, the dangers associated with giant hogweed, and the plans to tackle it. An open invitation is extended to all to come along to the meeting to learn about the project.
These severe hogweed infestations occur along sections of the Toem, Cappawhite and Cahernahaille tributaries of the upper Mulkear/Dead River catchment in the Cappawhite area and can have a serious impact on water quality, ecology and biodiversity.
Giant hogweed –Heracleum mantegazzianum- is a non-native invasive hazardous plant, which can cause serious skin burns and other health issues. Children are particularly at risk. Giant hogweed should not, however, be confused with regular hogweed which is evident in ditches along many local roadways.
As part of the preparatory work for the project, a drone aerial survey of the affected river corridors has already been carried out and this has helped to determine the location and extent of the infestation. Further ground investigations are underway and the findings will be revealed on the night.
LAWPRO Director, Mr Anthony Coleman says: “In order for this project to succeed, it is critical to have the participation and involvement of all farmers, landowners and property owners who may have giant hogweed on their properties.”
He added: “Having regard to the complicated nature of the work to be done, it is proposed that the hogweed eradication programme will need to be carried out by certified professionals under the guidance of the Farming for Water EIP project team which is being headed up Mairead Whitty.”
The Farming for Water EIP, which has its headquarters at Rossmore Neighbourhood Centre in Tipperary Town, is a €60 million project running until the end of 2027. Its core aim is to support farmers in placing “the right measures in the right place” by taking a targeted approach to manage risk to water quality from their farms. It is guided by the learnings of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) programme.
The Farming for Water EIP project takes a multiple benefits approach focusing on water quality but also addressing biodiversity and climate issues. The work will also help to create a broader understanding of issues affecting water quality in the catchment.
If you require any further information or wish to contact the project team email [email protected] or phone the EIP team on 062 33063.