Landowners and farmers across Limerick are being urged to consider alternative methods of controlling rushes before using pesticides and herbicides.

Limerick City and County Council issued the appeal this week in an effort to prevent the contamination of drinking water supplies which can result from the use of such chemicals.

The local authority said there are a number of other methods that can be used to control rushes, including land drainage, cutting and grazing.

Tom Tarpey, Senior Engineer, Limerick City and County Council noted that rush management should be considered if rushes exceed 30% of the field area.

He added: “Soft rush (juncus effuses) is the most common of the many rush species found in County Limerick. It is the most difficult to manage as it forms dense clumps which are very difficult to break down by cutting or grazing alone. Many landowners often take advantage of the drier weather during the summer months by using chemicals such as MCPA to control rushes.”

“In order to prevent contamination of our drinking water supplies, it is important that the use of pesticides and herbicides is kept to a minimum and, where their use is necessary, that they are used in a responsible manner to prevent runoff in to rivers, streams or wells. These chemicals can also have an impact on local biodiversity,” concluded Mr. Tarpey.

Limerick City and County Council has issued advice to farmers and landowners in relation to the control of rushes: