African Pond Weed has “taken hold in the Corrib” with “serious implications” for wildlife, fishing, and boating in the lough, and funds are needed to tackle the problem.
This was the message that Greg Forde and Joe Caffrey of Inland Fisheries Ireland made to councillors at Monday’s city council meeting. City Hall has agreed to provide funds, but the exact figure has yet to be decided.
African Pond Weed is an invasive plant which is listed on New Zealand’s National Pest Plant Accord and classed as a noxious weed in the US. According to Messrs Forde and Caffrey the weed has “taken hold in the Corrib” and if action is not taken, the weed will affect the levels of fish stock and hinder the ability of boats to sail smoothly on the lough.
The Galway County Council has provided €37,000 a year and Messrs Forde and Caffrey called on the Galway City Council to provide funds to help eradicate the weed from the lough.
The city council agreed to provide money in next year’s budget, but the sum to be provided will be decided on at a later date.
