In November 2011 staff from IFI and Waterways Ireland (WI) proceeded with an attempt to eradicate New Zealand pigmyweed (Crassula helmsii)from the Grand Canal. This species was first recorded in Ireland in 1994 and has recently been found in high abundance at isolated locations along a short stretch of the Grand Canal at Lullymore Co. Kildare.

The potential of this plant to spread rapidly and overgrow many kilometres of channel meant that an eradication attempt became a matter of some urgency. Dewatering and spraying of the weed with herbicide was chosen as the most effective method to tackle the problem. This operation involved the installation of dams and relocation of approximately 35,000 fish to an adjacent site.

Once the channel was drained the plant was treated with the herbicide (glyphosate) and adjuvant (sticking agent). The site is scheduled to be monitored by our staff throughout 2012 and we are all hoping for a positive result.

IFI staff using electrofishing equipment to relocate pike and coarse fish.

The pumping equipment used to dewater the canal

Preparing the herbicide

Wading through mud to apply the herbicide