A period of public consultation has been opened today (Friday, November 1) on proposed changes to legislation under the Noxious Weeds Act, 1936.
The proposal would see blackgrass being included as a noxious weed and made subject to the provisions of the legislation.
Ragwort and wild oat will continue to be included on the list, the common barberry and male wild hop would be removed and controls would be limited to certain species of thistle and dock.
The proposed new legislation would include the scientific names, rather than common names of the prescribed plants.
Guidance on enforcement is also proposed to ensure that action will only be taken where there is a risk to agricultural land to ensure that plants that are essential from a biodiversity perspective are protected in areas where there is no threat to agricultural land.
The consultation process will be open for a four-week period until Saturday, November 30, 2024.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) said that all submissions should include a short summary of up to 300 words.
Noxious weeds
Under the Noxious Weeds Act, 1936, it is an offence for owners and occupiers of land not to prevent the spread of certain weeds.
In the ten-year period 2014-2023, there were 198 complaints relating to noxious weeds made to DAFM.
60% of these complaints related to agricultural land. All of the complaints in this period related to ragwort, thistle or dock or a combination of these.
The department issues ‘notices to destroy’ letters in all instances where it becomes aware of the presence of noxious weeds, either as a result of inspections or as a result of reports made by the public.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue said it was important to hear the views of stakeholders and the public on the proposed changes.
“It is timely that this legislation is reviewed to ensure that the treatment of noxious weeds reflects modern practices and current challenges, including threats such as blackgrass.
“In addition, the proposed changes include enforcement guidance, which will help raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and ensure controls are restricted to where there is a threat to agricultural land,” he said.