Concerns raised over the use of herbicides near a nature reserve in North Wicklow.

Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady has been informed of the use of chemicals along the N11 roadside near the Glen of Downs and calls for a ban on their use.

Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady has been informed of the use of chemicals along the N11 roadside near the Glen of Downs and calls for a ban on their use.

Some of the major concerns regarding the use of these chemicals are the effects on bio-diversity and aquatic life.

Niall Hatch from Birdlife Ireland supports the call for the ban as he says,

"Herbicides have a huge impact on nesting birds and pollinating insects as well as native plants, there is no justification for the use of these chemicals."

Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, legislates the use of herbicides under Irish Law, which stipulates that the un-targeted spraying of road verges with herbicide is an offence under the act. As well as that, it is illegal to use these chemicals from the 1st of March to the 31st of August, during bird-breeding season.

Brady states:

"Wicklow County Council (WCC) has previously recognised the dangers posed by the use of herbicides, which is known to be damaging to biodiversity. WCC has recognised that there are concerns and public opposition to the use of herbicides near pollinating insects, and to humans. WCC committed to ending the use of herbicides in the County."

Brady has written to Minister Darragh O'Brien and Minister Malcolm Noonan, for clarification on why the use of herbicides was approved.