Those engaged in road-side hedge-cutting may be guilty of an offence if they allow or cause the dispersal or spread of Japanese knotweed in the course of their work. In order to avoid potential liability you should:

• Avoid it! Japanese knotweed plants and an area of seven metres offset from visible infestations should not be disturbed in any way. Do not cut or trim Japanese knotweed! Cutting or trimming can generate thousands of small fragments, each of which can regenerate into a new plant.  

• Report it! The location and extent of the infestation on any public roadway/footpath should be reported to the relevant area engineer of your local authority or to transadmin@wicklowcoco.ie