Local authority restarts giant hogweed control programme in Tipperary

Farming advisers will contact farmers in affected areas to assist them in applying for funding to support the implementation of additional measures

Specialised contractors will survey the affected area along sections of the Toem, Cappawhite and Cahernahallia tributaries of the upper Mulkear/Dead River catchment in the Cappawhite area and plan treatment. 

The giant hogweed control programme to improve water quality has recommenced in west Tipperary.

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), through its Farming for Water EIP project, is recommencing the action plan to control the spread of, and eradicate, a giant hogweed infestation in West Tipperary and also to improve water quality in the locality.

Now in its second year, the pilot project is in partnership with dairy co-operatives, Teagasc, beef processors, Tipperary County Council, farmers, landowners, the local community and other stakeholders.

In 2025, 11.3km of the Cappawhite Stream and 6km of the Toem Stream were inspected and treated for the invasive species.

These severe infestations occur along sections of the Toem, Cappawhite and Cahernahallia tributaries of the upper Mulkear/Dead River catchment in the Cappawhite area and can have a serious impact on water quality, ecology and biodiversity.

Giant hogweed is a non-native invasive hazardous plant, which can cause serious skin burns and other health issues. Children are particularly at risk.

Over the coming weeks, a programme of treatment is scheduled in the affected areas through the Farming for Water EIP and other funding mechanisms.

A specialist contractor has been appointed and will first survey the areas to identify exactly where hogweed is growing. This will be followed by treatment on agricultural lands with the co-operation of landowners.

LAWPRO director Anthony Coleman said: “In order for the project to succeed it is vital that all landowners upon whose land giant hogweed exists, participate and support the programme by applying to the Farming for Water EIP project for assistance. 

“Agricultural advisors will be in contact with farmers in the affected areas to help them apply to the project and avail of funding to undertake other additional measures which can help to improve and protect water quality in the overall river catchment.” 

The Farming for Water EIP, which has its headquarters at Rossmore Neighbourhood Centre in Tipperary Town, aims to support farmers in placing “the right measures in the right place” by taking a targeted approach to managing risk to water quality from their farms.

The project is guided by the catchment science information from LAWPRO and implemented by the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP). The Farming for Water EIP project focuses on water quality, biodiversity and climate issues.