Fianna Fáil councillor Jackie Cahill has called for the introduction of scheme to train and pay farmers to control invasive species.

"Japanese Knotweed is spreading like wildfire and has gone through concrete walls and floors and is a major environmental issue," Cahill said.

He made the proposal at a recent meeting of the South and West Kerry Municipal District, where Cahill said Japaniese knotweed in particular had gone out of control.

"I believe the introduction of such a scheme whereby farmers are trained and paid to manage Japanese knotweed and rhododendron will benefit the entire community," said Cahill.

He added that paying farmers would help to supplement low farm incomes and solve a major problem in certain parts of the countryside.

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