Ragwort growth is proving problematic across County Waterford.
RAGWORT growth levels in County Waterford have reached an alarming rate, according to a local agricultural commentator.
The distinctive yellow noxious weed is highly poisonous if eaten and is toxic to cattle, horses, deer, goats, pigs and chickens.
Farmers are required to remove ragwort from their land and, under the Noxious Weeds Act, 1936, it is an offence not to prevent the growth and spread of noxious weeds.
However, large growths of ragwort are currently rife across County Waterford in fields and on road sides.
John Hartley from Grantstown says the prevalence of ragwort growth has reached worrying levels.
He says the issue is particularly bad in areas along the Outer Ring Road and in a number of other locations throughout County Waterford.
However, he stressed that the problem was not confined to Waterford.
“This is a serious environmental and health and safety issue which requires urgent attention at a national level,” he said.
Ragwort thrives on wasteland, road verges and railway land and from these locations it can spread to pasture.
Ragwort primarily spreads by seed dispersal, but root fragments are also capable of reproduction.