If farmers were trained and paid through a scheme like the Green Low-Carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) it would help to eradicate Japanese Knotweed, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Cahill.

Cllr Cahill said that Japanese Knotweed and other invasive species are taking over the countryside.

He has renewed his call on the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to introduce - as a matter of priority - a scheme similar to the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and GLAS schemes for farmers, to help eradicate invasive species.

Cllr Cahill raised the issue at a recent meeting of the south and west Kerry municipal district where he stated Japanese Knotweed and other invasive species were taking over the countryside and creating havoc. Kerry County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland also need to play their part in getting rid of this major problem in public places and other areas that come under their remit throughout the county, he said.

"I believe if the Minister acts now and introduces a scheme similar to the REPS and GLAS schemes it will not alone help in getting rid of Japanese Knotweed and other invasive species but will also be of great assistance to farmers at what is a very difficult time for everyone involved in agriculture,” he said.

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Renewed call for scheme to get rid of Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed and other invasive species are taking over the countryside, one Kerry councillor has said.