Calls to stop use of harmful ‘chemical spray’ across Tipperary/Cahir/Cashel Municipal District

A motion was brought to the recent meeting of the Tipperary/Cahir/Cashel Municipal District  “that this council adopt either a non chemical spray policy or a no spray policy from a date not later than three months of this motion”. 

The matter was raised by Councillor John Crosse who stressed the need for this from a health point of view. The dangers of spraying pesticides and herbicides are widespread to mammal health and there are many scientific studies looking at the seriousness of health conditions, such as cancer, which can be caused by dangerous chemicals.

Cllr Crosse said that he was “conscious of the chemical effect on people’s health,” pointing out the need to live healthy lives.

The use of chemicals in towns and villages was problematic as pedestrians often walked freely where the sprays were used and so may bring the spray home on their shoes, buggies or pets feet while also at danger of inhaling the spray particles. 

Annemarie Ryan seconded the motion pointing out that districts were working non spray policy but contractors were operating on a local level and it affects people’s health in a negative way. 

Cllr Andy Moloney, agreed it was a problem when people sprayed footpaths and then someone walking their dog just a few steps behind could be in the path of it.

He said it is clearly detrimental to people and animals health but wondered if there was still a way to deal with Japanese Knotweed which is a dilemma in the area.

Council Representative Sharon Kennedy said the Council would work “to review the usage” of “chemical sprays” so she felt the motion could be modified and her  recommendation was that it went to the SPC (Special Policy Committee). She too said Health and Safety should be paramount. 

Cllr Annemarie Ryan then stressed that it was in relation to spraying in residential areas that was a serious issue that had health implications for people.