Council slammed for chemical weedkiller use

Local representatives in Tipperary have expressed disappointment that the county council has stopped short of their request to cease the use of a brand of weedkiller which they warn can have serious health implications.

A motion was put before last Monday’s council meeting in Nenagh calling for the council to refrain from using glyphosate as a means of weed control across County Tipperary.

Councillors said that glyphosate is banned in most European countries, and everyone was aware of the serious health effects attributed to the chemical.

In a response, the council executive stated that the local authority “commits to reduce the use of herbicides/pesticides in council-owned spaces to improve biodiversity levels”.

However, it went on to state that glyphosate is not banned in Ireland as it is approved for use in the EU.

“The European Commission has renewed the approval for glyphosate as an active substance until December 15, 2033,” stated the council in a written response to the motion.

It added: “Glyphosate is a herbicide sometimes used for control of invasive species.

“Tipperary County Council will continue to minimise the use of all herbicides/pesticides.

“However, where necessary and appropriate, glyphosate will be used,” the council stated.

The local authority said it was a partner to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and also recognised the role of biodiversity in its Climate Action Plan.

NENAGH COUNCILLORS’ MOTION

Cllr Phyll Bugler said the motion calling on the council to cease using the chemical had been submitted in the names of the nine councillors of the Nenagh Municipal District.

She said the Nenagh councillors were concerned about glyphosate ending up in drinking water.

“It’s a big worry for all of us,” she declared.

As a member of a Tidy Towns group in Ballina, she was well aware of what a hard job it was to control weeds without the use of chemicals.

But she said there were many brands of weedkillers that did not contain glyphosate that could be used by the council on its properties and areas of control.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Fiona Bonfield who said most other local authorities were currently trying to ban the use of glyphosate.

She was a bit disappointed with the response of the council given the health concerns expressed in regard to the use of the chemical.

Cllr Pamela Quirke O’ Meara said she was also disappointed with the council’s response.

She said the use of glyphosate should be “completely stopped” by the council. More sustainable ways of controlling weeds needed to be examined. The use of glyphosate was “going against the grain” and alternative methods of weed control needed to be explored.

Director of Services Liam Brett said glyphosate had to be considered by the council in its control of invasive species.

He said there was a balance to be struck between the cost of increased labour to control weeds and the use of chemical weed killers.