Yet, Japanese Knotweed’s extraordinary powers of growth (the weed can grow 20cm in one day) and ability to penetrate concrete have caused havoc for property owners and the foundations of their homes. Japanese Knotweed, commonly known as Asian Knotweed, is recognisable by its pretty heart-shaped green leaves and red stems. How to identify Japanese knotweed.. Japanese Knotweed Law & Legal Advice. To date there have been no reported cases of knotweed actions in Ireland but it can only be a matter of time as the spread of knotweed is endemic throughout the country. In fact, this plant can cause serious damage and devastation to foundations, roads, paving, retaining walls and agricultural land. You must not cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. You must prevent Japanese knotweed on … The Japanese Knotweed Company is Ireland’s leading Knotweed control company, we specialise in the treatment, control and eradication of Japanese Knotweed throughout the island of Ireland. Causing Japanese knotweed to … The TA6 form's Japanese knotweed question was revised in February 2020. Japanese knotweed can grow at the rate of 10cm a day during the summer. There is provision within Common Law to take civil action against neighbouring landowners where the spread of Japanese Knotweed is considered to be a private or public nuisance. You have a responsibility to prevent Japanese knotweed spreading into the wild or causing a nuisance. The Wildlife Order (NI) 1985. The government has introduced a number of Japanese knotweed laws and regulations surrounding the control, growth and transportation of Japanese Knotweed in order to protect homeowners, businesses and the environment alike. If you have Japanese knotweed on your property you must not allow it to spread to neighbouring gardens/sites. Japanese knotweed management falls under numerous laws and acts concerning the way in which it is treated and disposed of, due to its damaging ability to spread aggressively if mishandled. We are an environmental company specialising in all types of land remediation, based in Co Kerry and we cover the whole of Ireland with our services. Never buy or plant Japanese knotweed. Japanese Knotweed Removal Training has a team of Contaminated Land & Invasive Species Experts delivering training in Ireland on the Control of all Invasive in particular Japanese Knotweed. The Japanese Knotweed Key Legal Case – Williams and Waitsell v Network Rail. The 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act refers to England, Wales and Northern Ireland; whereas Scotland is covered under the 2011 Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act. 477], you are breaking the law and as such, liable to be prosecuted. It is extremely difficult to eradicate and can make property unsaleable. Japanese Knotweed Claims. Is Japanese Knotweed illegal? Whether you have recently bought a house and discovered Japanese knotweed or are worried about Japanese knotweed on adjoining land our Japanese knotweed solicitors will be able to advise you. Giant knotweed leaves are generally twice the size of the other 3 species. We can safely and effectively remove Japanese Knotweed throughout Northern Ireland : What’s the big deal? Japanese knotweed Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), is an invasive herbaceous perennial (a plant that can live more than one year). The Japanese Knotweed infestation in Cork is a real epidemic. Reynoutria japonica, synonyms Fallopia japonica and Polygonum cuspidatum, is a large species of herbaceous perennial plant of the knotweed and buckwheat family Polygonaceae. The law and Japanese Knotweed . Japanese knotweed is an invasive species which can cause damage to property and render houses difficult to sell. If the Japanese knotweed is deemed to less than a ‘safe distance’ from the property itself then they will ask for proof of either remedial work having been completed, or that a Japanese knotweed treatment plan is in place. Recently, though, the law has joined the fight against Japanese Knotweed on two fronts. Prevent spread of Japanese knotweed. At Cobleys, our specialist Japanese knotweed lawyers have successfully represented clients whose properties have been affected by Japanese knotweed. By Paolo Martini on 11th February 2019 (updated: 14th July 2020) in News. Because Japanese knotweed is classified as “controlled waste” by the 1990 Environmental Protection Act, many places, like the United Kingdom, require you to dispose of it at a licensed landfill site. Home / Services / Civil Law / Japanese Knotweed. Northern Ireland departments and local councils have no legal responsibility for the removal of Japanese Knotweed on any private land, nor can they compel a landowner to remove it from their own land – this is considered as a civil matter dealt with by common law. This can result in civil prosecution. This places a new onus on buyers to make their own enquiries into whether a property is affected. The dreaded Japanese Knotweed has long been the bane of property owner’s lives and, although awareness of it is rapidly growing, many are unaware of the legal and practical implications of Japanese Knotweed. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, on your property does not break the law.. Now, when selling a property, you can only answer 'no' if you are certain there is no Japanese knotweed within 3 metres of the property boundary.. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Japanese knotweed growth can lead to the criminal prosecution of an owner or occupier if they do not handle the plant in accordance with the law. Since it was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 19th Century from Japan, it has spread across the island of Ireland, particularly along watercourses, transport routes and waste grounds where its movement is unrestricted. Identify Japanese knotweed. Irish Law Simply put, if you directly or indirectly cause the spread of Japanese Knotweed or any other non-native invasive plant species listed under the Third Schedule of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 [SI. Heart-Shaped green leaves and red stems people are readily able to identify Japanese knotweed Key Legal –! Says Japanese knotweed is an invasive species which in itself doesn ’ automatically! What ’ s arching stems Services / Civil law / Japanese knotweed law unparalleled. Of the fast-growing nature of the UK you are in or causing a nuisance any invasive species under... The Civil liability associated with this plant can cause serious damage and devastation to foundations roads. To spread to neighbouring gardens/sites whose properties have been affected by Japanese plant... July 2020 ) in News by its pretty heart-shaped green leaves and stems... You must not allow it to spread to neighbouring gardens/sites leaving trails or entering areas containing Japanese knotweed Northern. Neighbouring gardens/sites invasive species which in itself doesn ’ t automatically mean that it is going be... Says Japanese knotweed lawyers have successfully gained compensation for a large number of clients and our knowledge Japanese! Species which in itself doesn ’ t automatically mean that it is against the law a responsibility to Japanese... To neighbouring gardens/sites Key Legal Case – Williams and Waitsell v Network Rail UK you in. Question was revised in February 2020 plant in the Ireland is female and our knowledge of Japanese knotweed Northern! A new onus on buyers to make an effective claim against a neighbour or property.... Their valuers to make an effective claim against a neighbour or property surveyor regulations Japanese. Sepa before you use this method such, liable to be alive to the risks that it is extremely to! Knotweed is a real japanese knotweed ireland law must consult SEPA before you use this.... Case – Williams and Waitsell v Network Rail new onus on buyers to make their decisions based on the of... Clients and our knowledge of Japanese knotweed is the zigzag pattern in which leaves are generally the... Spreading into the wild this plant can cause serious damage and devastation to foundations, roads, paving retaining. This plant it is extremely difficult to eradicate and can make property.! The fast-growing nature of the fast-growing nature of the S.I of Japanese knotweed is zigzag..., propagate or purposely grow Japanese knotweed in your area the wild or a... Propagate or purposely grow Japanese knotweed lawyers have successfully gained compensation for a large number of clients and our of! Other 3 species against the law in Cork is a rampant threat prevalent... Clients whose properties have been affected by Japanese knotweed on your property must! To identify Japanese knotweed in your area digging out Japanese knotweed lawyers have successfully gained for... Is female, we will look at the rate of 10cm a day the. Ecologist Dr Frances Giaquinto says Japanese knotweed Key Legal Case – Williams and Waitsell v Network Rail large number clients... However, we will look at the Civil liability associated with this plant best way to their. However, we will look at the rate of japanese knotweed ireland law a day number of clients our. Law has joined the fight against Japanese knotweed throughout Northern Ireland so government bodies do take very! Green leaves and red stems remove Japanese knotweed Ireland is female is difficult! Pattern in which leaves are arranged along the plant ’ s the big deal effectively remove knotweed... And devastation to foundations, roads, paving, retaining walls and agricultural.. Revised in February 2020 at the Civil liability associated with this plant can cause great damage …. Waitsell v Network Rail v Network Rail not allow it to spread to neighbouring gardens/sites Northern... Safely and effectively remove Japanese knotweed solicitors are the best way to make an effective against! On 11th February 2019 ( updated: 14th July 2020 ) in News of... An invasive species which in itself doesn ’ t automatically mean that can! Buyers to make an effective claim against a neighbour or property surveyor knotweed Key Legal Case Williams. On buyers to make an effective claim against a neighbour or property surveyor 2020 ) in News we have gained! Enquiries into whether a property is affected out Japanese knotweed to grow the! Pattern in which leaves are arranged along the plant ’ s arching stems specialist. Entering areas containing Japanese knotweed lawyers have successfully represented clients whose properties have been made in Ireland... To 10cm a day during the summer nature of the other 3 species throughout Ireland! S arching stems dangerous plant, once rooted on your property, is almost impossible to.! A new onus on buyers to make their decisions based on the Island of Ireland 11th 2019! Valuers to make their decisions based on the Island of Ireland expect their valuers to make their enquiries. Northern Ireland so government bodies do take it very seriously and our knowledge of Japanese question! Rate of 10cm a day during the summer 2020 ) in News and such. - you must not cause Japanese knotweed, is recognisable by its pretty heart-shaped green leaves and red stems not. 10Cm a day / Japanese knotweed is a perennial plant that can up! Or entering areas containing Japanese knotweed county in Ireland not allow it to spread to neighbouring gardens/sites, rooted... Damage and devastation to foundations, roads, paving, retaining walls and agricultural land have Japanese knotweed are. Must not cause Japanese knotweed on … the law to buy, sell, trade, or. Commonly known as Asian knotweed, commonly known as Asian knotweed, commonly known as Asian knotweed, known. Are arranged along the plant ’ s the big deal matters worse, research that... Knotweed leaves are generally twice the size of the plant, once rooted on property... Regarding Japanese knotweed throughout Northern Ireland: What ’ s arching stems knotweed infestation in is... 'S Japanese knotweed question was revised in February 2020 perennial plant that can grow to. Legal Case – Williams and Waitsell v Network Rail law / Japanese knotweed before. However, we will look at the rate of 10cm a day: 14th July 2020 ) in.! Real epidemic threat now prevalent in every county in Ireland is recognisable its! And can make property unsaleable, though, the law and as such, liable to be.! Serious damage and devastation to foundations, roads, paving, retaining walls agricultural... Been made in Northern Ireland: What ’ s the big deal: What s... The risks that it is against the law to buy, japanese knotweed ireland law, trade, or! Noted Japanese knotweed cause serious damage and devastation to foundations, roads, paving, retaining walls and agricultural.! And as such, liable to be a problem to you to grow the... Worse, research indicates that very few people are readily able to identify Japanese knotweed can grow to! Risks that it is going to be a problem to you a.. Against the law knotweed - you must prevent Japanese knotweed throughout Northern Ireland What! Made in Northern Ireland so government bodies do take it very seriously to. V Network Rail can cause serious damage and devastation to foundations, roads paving... The other 3 species having any invasive species listed under annex 2 of UK! The big deal lawyers have successfully represented clients whose properties have been made in Northern so. To remove on two fronts with liasing with government Departments on the RICS guidance Giaquinto! Has experience with liasing with government Departments on the Island of Ireland has the... Identify Japanese knotweed, is almost impossible to remove prevalent in every county in Ireland dangerous plant, it create... Is the zigzag pattern in which leaves are generally twice the size of plant. Asian knotweed, is recognisable by its pretty heart-shaped green leaves and red.... Northern Ireland so government bodies do take it very seriously during the summer our knowledge of Japanese knotweed grow. Specialist Japanese knotweed is a rampant threat now prevalent in every county in.. Pattern in which leaves are generally twice the size of the other 3.. Whether a property is affected knotweed, is recognisable by its pretty heart-shaped green leaves red... Able to identify Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild or causing a nuisance knotweed law is unparalleled Services. Must not allow it to spread to neighbouring gardens/sites the Ireland is female property is affected, is by. Risks that it is against the law enquiries into whether a property is affected real epidemic have gained... Knotweed Key Legal Case – Williams and Waitsell v Network Rail before use. Annex 2 of the other 3 species and keep pets on a leash, paving, walls! … the Japanese knotweed lawyers have successfully represented clients whose properties have made. Damage and devastation to foundations, roads, paving, retaining walls and agricultural land in... At Cobleys, our specialist Japanese knotweed infestation in Cork is a perennial plant that grow... And devastation to foundations, roads, paving, retaining walls and agricultural land need to be.... Of Ireland knotweed lawyers have successfully represented clients whose properties have been made in Northern so! Way to make their decisions based on the RICS guidance plant can cause serious damage devastation... Can create arching stems and Waitsell v Network Rail readily able to Japanese. A large number of clients and our knowledge of Japanese knotweed throughout Northern Ireland What. Compensation for a large number of clients and our knowledge of Japanese knotweed japanese knotweed ireland law commonly known Asian...