A total of 60 sites where Japanese knotweed is growing have been identified in Laois.
The monthly meeting of Laois County Council heard that 600 signs have been ordered which will advise the public not to cut the plants.
Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant which can grow under homes and cause damage to properties. It can also devalue properties where it is growing.
Cllr Tom Mulhall sought an update on the volume of the plant in Laois, and what plans are in place to dispose of it.
He described it as “highly contagious”.
“It will come through concrete. The way it’s spreading, we are going to have a very serious issue. It is going to ruin our hedgerows unless we contain it,” he warned.
Cllr Willie Aird said he read a report that stem injection is now the favoured treatment.
“The people who will identify these plants are farmers and the people out walking,” he said.
Due to the seriousness of the situation, Cllr John King said the council needs to liaise with the Department of Agriculture.
“We need to get rid of it once and for all,” he said.
Problem
“The biggest problem is people don’t realise what it is like,” Cllr James Kelly said.
It would be worthwhile holding some workshops in relation to the plant and involve the IFA, he said.
“The plant can grow three feet under your foundations. If it gets around your property it can seriously devalue it,” Cllr Kelly said.
Signs already placed in locations around the county have been a source of conversation, cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming said.
A policy on Japanese knotweed has been passed by a Strategic Policy Committee.
Pictures of the plant are available on the Laois County Council website.
The meeting heard that it is about a three year process to kill the plant off.
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