Call for 'rational' approach to pesticide use

A call to have a policy on pesticide use in Westmeath was made by Planning and Transportation SPC member Alison Hough at the committee’s September meeting.

Ms Hough outlined the contents of a discussion document she has drawn up entitled “a rational use of pesticides policy”, and director of services, Barry Kehoe, suggested that members meet with council staff to “distill” elements that could be brought forward as a policy proposal for the SPC and the council in due course,

She told the meeting the issue is a matter of great concern to the public.

“It's a matter that I get emails and messages about every other week and as part of my role in Westmeath Environmental Network, and it's something that the public generally are very concerned about,” said Ms Hough.

An investigation by Noteworthy on pesticide use on Irish roads found “excessive” use of pesticides, added Ms Hough.

She said that the reason she titled her document “the rational use of pesticide policy” was because it embodied the idea of “a sensible and reasonable approach” to pesticide use.

“So, what I'm not doing is coming in here and telling the council that they cannot spray weedkiller ever again, and that they should have their staff go round on their hands and knees, picking weeds by hand, going back to medieval time. That's not what this policy is about,” she said.

“What it's about is about reduction and sensible consideration of alternatives.”

It was also about “a reasonable approach” and about using it only on an as-needed basis.

Members agreed to send on any comments they had on the proposal to Ms Hough, and that the subject could go on the agenda of a future meeting.

It was also agreed that if council officials thought it warranted, a sub-committee be set up - in line with Mr Kehoe’s suggestion - to consider the document.