‘It’s carcinogenic’ – Tipperary councillor calls for ban on Roundup weed killer amid health concerns
A Tipperary councillor has called for a stop of the use of a weed killer product due to the serious health effects it is attributed to.
Ballina Fine Gael councillor Phyll Bugler made the call at the July meeting of Tipperary County Council urging for an end to the use of Roundup weed killer, which contains glyphosate, and has been linked to serious health conditions.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Bugler urged the council to adopt safer alternatives to glyphosate-based weed killers.
"It gets into the water, ends up in the rivers, and is going to be in our drinking water, so it’s a big worry for all of us, and I’m disappointed to see that it’s still approved in the EU until 2033,” Cllr Bugler outlined.
"There are other options out there, Roundup now have a weed killer that’s glyphosate free that we’re using [in Ballina Tidy Towns],” she added.
Despite the health concerns, the European Commission has approved the use of glyphosate until December 2033.
"But I would encourage everyone to use that [glyphosate free version], I mean it’s known the health risks of glyphosate, I don’t have to say it, it’s carcinogenic, it’s very very dangerous,” Cllr Bugler hit out.
In response to the Ballina councillor’s notice of motion, Tipperary County Council said that they have committed to using less pesticides and herbicides in Council-owned spaces to increase biodiversity, and will continue to limit the use of Roundup unless in “necessary and appropriate” situations.
Seconding Cllr Bugler’s motion, Cllr Fiona Bonfield said that she was disappointed by the response from the local authority.
"I know in the reply they say that it’s used for invasive species, but look, it’s been said, there are other alternatives, and I do know that other councils around the country are trying to bring in this ban.
"I’m a bit disappointed with the response, but I would hope that down the road we would look at this because there is a serious health risk with it,” Cllr Bonfield added.
In response to Cllr Bugler’s motion, the Council executive said that the motion was agreed with the roads, environment and biodiversity sections, and that the local authority are committed to reducing their use of pesticides, in particular, glyphosate around the county.