Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the popular weed-killer Roundup. Pressure to ban it followed the World Health Organisation’s conclusion that it was “probably carcinogenic to humans” and the evidence that it has been devastating to nature.
A University of Galway study showed that 25% of us have it in our bloodstream now due to its widespread use. Many countries have attempted to ban its use, but always in the face of lobbying from big business.
The European Union banned it in 2017, following a petition with over a million signatures. But a deferral of the ban intended to allow a gradually reduction meant that its sale and use continued. That delay will expire on December 15th this year. The EU now has to decide if it will extend this delay.
In Galway City Council the parks section have been very proactive in eliminating the use of glyphosate except for the treatment of invasive species, such as Japanese Knotweed. In its place they use a product called Weed Off which is natural and biodegradable. Our parks and playgrounds are now far healthier places.
However, a lot of road maintenance is carried out by the council’s external contractors and it is more difficult to get detailed information on how dependent they are on glyphosate. And of course outside of the council it is widely used.
The reality is that it is very effective and saves a lot of work, so businesses or individuals are not going to choose to stop using it unless it is banned or restricted, despite the risks. One of the anomalies in current regulation is that someone using it as part of their employment will be trained in the use, but a recreational gardener can purchase any amount over the counter with no obligation to understand its impact.
The European vote last week was inconclusive and an appeal will have to be voted on before the December 15 deadline.
Ireland has voted up to now to continue the use of glyphosate. I completely support MEP Grace O’Sullivan and MEP Ciaran Cuffe’s calls for Ireland to change their position before the next vote in the interest of our environment and our health.
