Knotweed thrives in wet south-west

The abundance of Japanese knotweed in Kerry may be due to the county’s wet coastal climate, the leader of the most extensive survey of the invading species has said.

The plant is costing Kerry County Council thousands of euro each year to battle, and is being mapped by Jane Jackson as part of the Save our Laune organisation.

A map of the progress of the weed shows the Ring of Kerry completely surrounded by the attractive white flowering plant which can grow 1m in three weeks.