Fresh calls for 'weed' killer ban

A well maintained flower bed outside Ballybofey surrounded by dead grass following recent spraying.

A WELL-KNOWN environmentalist has again called on Donegal people to stop using toxic chemicals to kill grass and wild flowers.

Mr Ralph Sheppard was speaking this week as the spraying of weed killer continues across the county, resulting in lush green hedges and laneways turning yellow and vitally important flowers and insects being wiped out in the process.

Mr Sheppard said there is no excuse for spraying and the loss of insect life is having a communicative effect on the environment and that the loss of pollinating bees is costing the agriculture sector millions.

“At this time of year, people tend to spray weed killer to kill grass on roadsides which is really not a good idea,” he explained.
“If weeds or grass are blocking vision lines along roads, then they should be strimmed lightly. If not, they should be just left alone and cut at the end of the nesting season.”

For full report, see Friday’s Donegal News or subscribe to our digital edition.

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