Leitrim people plagued by ‘out of control’ killer plant amid rare warning

Some private property owners in Leitrim are struggling to manage the spread of Japanese Knotweed and are unsure how to best address the invasive plant.

Leitrim County Council currently operates a programme to tackle Japanese Knotweed on national and regional roads throughout the county.

However, the Council only treats public roads and Council-owned properties and does not intervene on private land.

Japanese Knotweed, which kills native plants, was introduced to Ireland in the 19th century, where it was thought to be an ‘exotic’ plant. It is able to grow by a metre in less than a month and can even push through concrete and tarmac.

At a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District, it was highlighted that the situation on some private properties is becoming unmanageable, with the plant reportedly ‘getting out of control.’

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Cllr Eddie Mitchell inquired whether the Council could provide assistance to residents dealing with the plant, particularly those who cannot afford private contractors.

In response, he was given advice to pass on to the affected resident.

He was informed that cutting Japanese Knotweed is highly discouraged, as the plant is a single-sex species and spreads easily when fragments are discarded.

The most effective method of control is a multi-year spraying regimen, typically requiring up to four years to fully eradicate the plant.

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Spraying should be carried out during the growing season, when the plant is most absorbent.

Additionally, it is recommended to cover the plant with black polythene after spraying to block sunlight and prevent photosynthesis during early years of treatment.