japanese knotweed

Roscommon County Council to host free Japanese knotweed workshops

japanese knotweed

Japanese knotweed is an invasive herbaceous perennial that can seriously damage houses, buildings, hard surfaces and infrastructure growing through concrete, tarmac and other hard surfaces.

Since it was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 19th Century from Japan, Japanese Knotweed has spread across the island of Ireland, particularly along watercourses, transport routes and waste grounds where its movement is unrestricted. It can threaten native plants and animals by forming dense thickets. It can block routes used by wildlife to disperse. Riverside Japanese knotweed damages flood defence structures and reduces the capacity of channels to carry flood water.

Roscommon County Council is hosting two free Information Workshops aimed at Landowners, Tidy Towns Groups, Cemetery Committees, Community Groups etc.

Attendees will learn a variety of useful skills including:
– how to recognise Japanese Knotweed
– how to log the location of the invasive species infestation on the National Biodiversity Data Centre website & Biodiversity app,
– know what not to do with Japanese Knotweed,
– know how to manage the plant etc.
– They will also be informed of the legal obligations involved with the plant.

The workshops will be held at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon town on Tuesday 8th November from 7 — 9.30pm and on Wednesday 9th November from 7 — 9.30pm. To reserve your place please contact Breata Coyle by Wednesday November 2nd by calling 090 6637235 or email: [email protected]

This project is supported by the Heritage Council as an action of the County Roscommon Heritage Plan 2012-2016.