Galway County Council called on to tackle ragwort

A ragwort ‘epidemic’ on the roadsides of County Galway – and in some farmers’ fields too – requires urgent attention, with the County Council needing to play the lead role, a farm leader has urged.

Galway IFA Chairperson, Anne Mitchell, said that ragwort was a noxious and poisonous weed for animals that needed to be controlled and removed from roadsides and fields.

“It is a weed that spreads prolifically but it is one that can be contained by a number of factors, such as simply pulling it up out of the ground; by spraying; or by cultivation.

“I would have to say that the vast majority of farmers do everything to ensure that this weed is dealt with on their farms but there are cases where land has fallen into neglect, for one reason or another, and ragwort is not controlled,” she said.

However, she added, that the County Council had to take a far more pro-active role in dealing with the spread of weeds such as ragwort, dock and thistle on untended roadside verges across the length and breadth of Galway.

“If weeds such as ragwort are left unchecked on roadside verges it will follow on that the seeds will spread into adjoining farmers’ fields. It just isn’t good enough that these verges are just let grow wild with weeds every Summer,” she said.

According to the Department of Agriculture, each ragwort plant has the capacity to produce 50,000 to 200,000 seeds over a six weeks period from July to September each year – seeds that can be dispersed by wind, water, animals, hay and farm machinery.

Under the Noxious Weeds Act of 1936, it is an offence for the owner/occupier of lands not to prevent the growth and spread of noxious weeds including ragwort, thistle, dock and wild oat.

Technically, landowners or local authorities who allow noxious weeds to go uncontrolled, are liable to prosecution – and a small fine if the case is proven – but over recent years there has been no record of any such cases proceeding.

The farm advisory body Teagasc, point out that ragwort is poisonous to animals in both the green and preserved state (and after spraying too) and has been responsible for ‘many farm fatalities’ in cattle.

Teagasc also point out that any control strategy for the weed must be based on the biennial (over a two-year cycle) growth pattern of the plant – a rosette in the first year and then going into full flower during the second year of growth.

They also point out, that where small numbers of ragwort are present, they can be effectively dealt with by simply pulling or digging up the plant. [They are not a deep-rooted plant like the dock and pull up quite easily from the ground especially in dampish conditions].

For larger numbers, Teagasc advise that sprays such as MCPA, 2, 4-D, Dicamba, Thrust and Forefront provide good control but caution that measures must be taken to avoid stock eating any dying or dead ragwort present which is still highly poisonous after spraying has taken place.

Minister of State for Rural Affairs and Galway East TD Seán Canney said that the humid weather had led to the proliferation of ragwort on roadside.

“Farmers have to be particularly vigilant because ragwort can kill cattle and horses if it is ingested.

“It is also toxic for people and can cause allergic reactions if it is absorbed through the skin.

“People should wear protective waterproof gardening gloves when handling ragwort plants and arms and legs should be covered. Face masks should also be worn to avoid inhaling the weed’s pollen which can cause hay fever.

“Local authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland are responsible for the removal of weeds from main roads and motorways. Farmers also have the responsibility to ensure their lands are ragwort free,” said Minister Canney.