Invasive species need eradication

Two kinds of non-native invasive species found close to the river in Kilcullen need to be eradicated, writes Brian Byrne.

That's one of the points noted in a wide-ranging report carried out by environmental consultants Flynn Furney.

Himalayan balsam, above, and Gunnera ('giant rhubarb'), below, are both 'very much unwanted' plants, but can be dealt with by local volunteers with the proper professional advice.

Kildare County Council's Dara Wyer coordinated the walkabout and report as part of the Council's Tidy Towns Support Project. KCA's Celia Travers and Niall McDonnell were part of the tour of the town.

Parking on the footpaths at Hillside Cottages was among a number of issues highlighted in the report, which is being used as one of the foundations of planning for the 2016 Tidy Towns Competition.

Another public meeting on Kilcullen's Tidy Towns effort will be held on Monday 29 February in the Town Hall, beginning at 8pm. All are welcome.