The noxious weed ragwort has been spotted growing on the front lawn of Leinster House.

The buachalán buí is considered illegal under the 1936 Noxious Weeds Act and farmers can face fines of up to €1,000 for failing to control its spread. The toxic alkaloids it contains can fatally damage the livers of horses and cattle. Concerns have been raised about the growth of the weed nationwide, with calls for immediate enforcement and public awareness about its presence on motorways, farmland and urban estates.

Politicians might want to nip this issue in the bud.

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