Council is 'assessing' use of controversial herbicide
Westmeath County Council took the unusual step of issuing a press release earlier this month in response to growing public safety concerns about its use of chemical herbicides.
The council said it was assessing possible alternatives to its use of the weedkiller Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide, after calls for it to be banned locally gained momentum on social media in recent days.
Athlone schoolteacher and wildlife campaigner Ruairi O Leocháin firmly opposes the use of Roundup, saying it's lethal to pollinators such as bees, and is used "everywhere" in Athlone.
The weedkiller has been the subject of numerous lawsuits in the US from people who have claimed their exposure to glyphosate caused cancer, and its use has been banned in Germany.
Green Party councillor Louise Heavin told the Westmeath Independent that she was opposed to the use of Roundup because "it's harmful to the environment and to human health".
However, she indicated that it has been popular with local authorities up to now because it is more cost-effective and less labour-intensive than alternative weedkilling treatments, which need to be sprayed much more often.
There's a strong possibility that the glyphosate spray may still be used in Westmeath this year, as Cllr Heavin learned last week that no additional money had been set aside by councillors to date in the local authority's roadworks programme to fund an alternative weedkiller.
"I think money should have been set aside, because it should be a higher priority than something like Christmas lights. Biodiversity is more important than that, especially when we're in a climate and biodiversity emergency," said Cllr Heavin.
The roadworks programme for the Athlone Moate Municipal District is due to be formally adopted at its next monthly meeting in early March.
On Monday, Westmeath County Council's Director of Services Barry Kehoe told this newspaper that the local authority's "policy position" on spraying glyphosate weedkiller is to be discussed at a meeting of its planning and transport committee on February 19.
He said the "advantages and disadvantages" of its use would be outlined, and a report would then be prepared for the councillors to consider.
In its press release on Monday, the council stated that it was "aware of the public concerns regarding the use of various herbicides" in the county.
"It should be noted that such products are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly having regard to health and safety of staff, contractors and the general public," said the local authority.
"Furthermore, these products are used sparingly to control weed growth, generally with a single treatment per annum on housing estate roads, urban approach roads and streets with some localised spot treatment thereafter if required.
“These products are not applied in parks or other such open spaces."
The council went on to say that alternatives were being considered, with regard to their "effectiveness, frequency of application, and cost" and that decisions on the future use of herbicides could be taken "when all of the required information (has) been compiled and assessed."
Mr O Leocháin argued that, because glyphosate sprays can kill bees, the council's continued use of the chemical contradicted its support for the National Pollinator Plan.