Council defers decision on quarry lease to Japanese Knotweed eradication firm

MAYO County Council has deferred a decision on whether to lease a disused quarry near Claremorris to a Co. Kerry firm which specialises in the control and eradication of Japanese Knotweed.

Residents of the Brookhill area, where the five-acre quarry is located, are firmly opposed - for environmental reasons - to the proposal to treat soil and stone contaminated with the invasive weed at the location.

A major programme is underway nationally at the moment to eradicate Japanese Knotweed which can cause structural damage by cracking pavements and house foundations.

The Japanese Knotweed Company, based in Killorglin, has made a formal proposal to Mayo County Council seeking a 15 year lease on the Brookhill quarry at €1,000 per acre per annum.

Councillors who are members of Claremorris Municipal District have already voted unanimously not to to lease the quarry to the company due to environmental concerns.