Cork City Council to stop using chemical-based weed killers

The council heard that "the alternatives are by far more environmentally friendly in terms of greater biodiversity and pollinator-friendly amenity areas."

The policy decision brings to an end a near 50-year practice of using chemical herbicides for the control of unwanted vegetation in amenity areas, including public parks, open space areas, greenways, woodland planting and roadside verges.

Cork City Council has decided to stop using chemical-based glyphosate weed killers in its parks and on some 500km of public roads.

Despite the alternatives being more expensive and less effective, councillors were told they are more environmentally friendly.