The Mayo Advertiser this week reports:

Regulations are to be introduced by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to prohibit the spread of wild rhubarb, which has taken over large areas of Achill.

Gunnera tinctoria (more commonly known as wild rhubarb or giant rhubarb) is a large herbaceous plant that forms dense colonies that shade out and suppress native vegetation. It is a vigorous seeder and also has the ability to spread vegetatively. The matter has been of concern for several years and local Dáil Deputy Michael Ring questioned the Department on their plans to tackle the menace.

Now the Assistant Director of the National Park and Wildlife Service Mr Gerry Leckey has outlined the Department’s campaign to control the spread of the plant. He stated: “In 2006, a two-year MSc project was initiated to investigate measures for the control of Gunnera on Achill Island. The project is funded by Mayo County Council and by this department through the Biodiversity Fund, which is administered by the Heritage Council.

“Under Section 52(6)(a) of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended), the Department has the power to make regulations prohibiting the possession or introduction of any species of wild flora which may be detrimental to native species. It is intended to make regulations under this section in 2008, and to provide for a short lead-in, after which possession or introduction of Gunnera will be prohibited. While it is recognised that the plant is already in the wild, the purpose is to prevent its future dispersal through garden centres for use around ponds and wet areas, from which it may escape or be released into the wild.”

Dep Ring said he welcomed the initiative to control the spread of wild rhubarb. “I would urge the Department to ensure there is a sensible approach taken which would involve the co-operation of the authorities in ridding Achill of this plant.”

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