Every year, Westmeath County Council sprays glyphosate (Roundup) along the streets and parks of Athlone, beside children and other pedestrians. The workers wear protective clothing and masks. Citizens do not.

France has restricted its use, and US courts have awarded large damages against Roundup's makers in cases alleging it caused cancer. The WHO's cancer agency (IARC) classes glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic."

Documents released under the Access to Information on the Environment (AIE) Regulations show a disturbing rise in the glyphosate-based herbicides reported by Westmeath County Council. The Council's records identify products including Roundup Gold and Roundup Flex.

Annual quantities:

2023: 415 litres

2024: 440 litres

2025: 682 litres

That is a 64% increase in two years.

The Council has adopted a well-publicised Biodiversity Policy, yet its actions contradict it.

Keep this toxin out of our town. Stop poisoning us, our children, our pets and our wildlife.