LETTER: Spraying of weedkiller harms flora and fauna

SIR – It is with intense disgust I write to you to bring attention to the spraying of chemicals in and around the Carrigaline area, in particular in the Waterpark Estate. 

Today, I heard a tractor outside my wall area and, on looking, I find he is spraying something, so out I went and asked exactly what is going on. 

I was informed that he was spraying weedkiller for the ... wait for it ... daisies, buttercups and clover. The very things that our bee population thrive on.

I ask you, in this day and age, why? To say, I am appalled is an understatement. 

Also, I informed the driver that he had now polluted my garden also and asked what exactly was he going to do about it. I informed him that my garden and house are totally chemical-free zones and I am now polluted entirely by his spray.

He looked astonished, as though the spray went directly into the ground once he turned on the hose. The fact that the spray machine was three feet at least up in the air doesn’t help.  

I want this practice of weedkiller sprays stopped and stopped immediately. The daisies, buttercups and clover are not weeds – they are the body and soul for the bees, butterflies and even the birds of this earth that we take for granted. 

I fear for the next generation, I really do – not that I give a toss about them really, but I do for the animal, flora and fauna. I appeal to everyone to boycott the paying of grass cutting fees for at least one year to see if this vile practice will be discontinued.  How dare people punish poor unfortunate, helpless bugs which help to maintain our beauty and health.

County Council are as guilty as the contractors spraying and butchering our ditches etc instead of putting those on the dole out to do a proper job like was done in the past. I suppose it’s not the job it used to be; they are too proud to be seen cutting ditches and freeing up drains, much better to go to the dole office and get the money for nothing. But, that’s for another day.

I will also let you know that my legs have come out in a rash as the grass was long in the area I stood to speak with this man. So, there is more proof that it is not a healthy practice. 

There is nothing at all wrong with people bending down and pulling weeds in their own gardens either and stemming the sales of this weedkiller for their own use. It’s good for the waistline as well as the environment!

Sincerely yours,

Angry Carrigaline resident

(name and address with editor)