Ahoghill councillor presses DfI over weed and moss-covered paths at Killane Park

An alleyway in Killane Park, Ahoghill where residents have raised concerns over weeds and moss across the estate

TUV Alderman Stewart McDonald has called for action over the condition of footpaths and alleyways at Killane Park in Ahoghill after residents raised concerns about overgrown weeds, vegetation and moss.

The local representative said he was contacted by residents unhappy with the condition of the area and subsequently raised their concerns with North Antrim MP Jim Allister, who wrote to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

The Department has now confirmed that it does not routinely carry out physical weed removal under its current limited-service maintenance arrangements, instead relying on a programmed herbicide spraying regime.

DfI confirms second treatment planned

In a written response to Mr Allister dated 8 September 2026, DfI Network Maintenance Manager Colin Cochrane confirmed that Killane Park had already received one treatment this summer.

Mr Cochrane said:

“The Department does not routinely undertake weed scuffling as part of its current Limited-Service maintenance provision. Weed control is instead managed through a programmed herbicide spraying regime.”

He added:

“Killane Park was initially treated on 6 July 2026, and a second treatment is due to be undertaken within the next four weeks.”

The Department’s response followed correspondence from Mr Allister on 19 August regarding “overgrown weeds, vegetation and moss throughout Killane Park, Ahoghill”.

While DfI has explained how it currently tackles weeds, its response does not specifically state what action, if any, will be taken to remove the moss reported on the footpaths.

‘Photographs speak for themselves’

Alderman McDonald said the condition of the paths following the first herbicide treatment remained unacceptable.

He said:

“The photographs speak for themselves. Whatever treatment has been carried out, residents are still left looking at footpaths where moss and weeds have been allowed to take hold. Spraying weeds and then simply leaving the dead growth and accumulated moss behind is no substitute for properly maintaining public footpaths.

“This is particularly concerning because moss-covered paving can become slippery when wet and presents an obvious difficulty for elderly residents and anyone with restricted mobility.”

His concerns highlight the distinction between using herbicide to control weed growth and physically clearing existing vegetation and moss from the surface of public footpaths.

Concerns over wider maintenance approach

Alderman McDonald said the situation at Killane Park also raised questions about the Department’s wider approach to maintaining paths.

He said:

“This is not an isolated policy issue. The Department has previously confirmed that moss removal is regarded as a low priority and is only undertaken when resources permit. Yet its own contract-management records show that specialist equipment such as scarifiers and road sweepers has been considered for targeted weed and moss removal in problem areas.”

He argued that residents should be able to expect a basic standard of maintenance in their neighbourhoods.

“Residents pay their rates and taxes and are entitled to expect a basic standard of maintenance in their neighbourhoods,” Alderman McDonald said.

“Allowing footpaths to become progressively covered in weeds and moss and then pointing to a limited-service maintenance policy simply is not good enough.

“I will continue to press the Department to have Killane Park properly cleaned and maintained rather than expecting residents to accept managed decline as the new normal.”

Second treatment due within weeks

DfI has committed to carrying out a second herbicide treatment at Killane Park within four weeks of its 8 September response.

However, the Department’s letter does not indicate whether the forthcoming work will include the physical clearance of existing vegetation or moss.

That leaves an important issue for residents unresolved: whether the next treatment will simply target weed growth or whether further work will be carried out to clear the affected footpaths and alleyways.