Knotweed and the Law

✅ What the law says in Ireland

• Japanese Knotweed is listed under the Third Schedule of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011). Under Regulation 49(2) it is an offence to "plant, disperse, allow or cause to disperse, spread or otherwise cause to grow" this species without a licence. The Galway County Biodiversity Project+3Knotweed Solutions+3invasivespeciesireland.com+3
• The Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) also makes it an offence to cause non‑native invasive species to grow in the wild. invasivespeciesireland.com+1
• Having Knotweed on your property is not in itself illegal, but allowing it to spread to neighbouring land or public land can lead to legal liability. IPAV+2knotweed Ireland+2
• Movement of soil or spoil containing Knotweed, or disposal of contaminated material without meeting waste regulations, can also lead to offences. knotweed Ireland+2ors.ie+2

📍 What this means for landowners in Cork & surrounds

• If you find Japanese Knotweed on your property, you should act - because if the plant spreads beyond your boundary you could be held legally responsible.
• If soil or spoil from your site contains Knotweed residue and is moved off‑site or dumped improperly, you could be in breach of law.
• For property transactions (buying/selling), surveyors, lenders and conveyancers will often require a Knotweed management plan or proof of control because of the legal and financial risks involved.
• Using a specialist company like Cork Japanese Knotweed is recommended to ensure full compliance with Irish legislation, proper disposal, and appropriate treatment strategies.

🛠 How Cork Japanese Knotweed can help

• We can survey your site, identify the extent of Knotweed infestation (including underground rhizome spread) and provide a fully documented plan that meets legal and regulatory requirements in Ireland.
• We help with the removal and disposal of infested material in full compliance with legislation and waste regulations, reducing your risk of legal or financial penalty.
• We provide ongoing monitoring and guarantees so that you can demonstrate to lenders, buyers, or regulatory bodies that the infestation has been managed responsibly.
• We can advise on how to prevent spread from your site to neighbouring land, which is a key legal obligation under Irish law.

For any enquiries or questions, do not hesitate to contact us!

Email. corklandscaper@gmail.com

Tel. 0870018636