S.L. 430.8 Art. 11Reduction of pesticide use or risks in specific areas. S.L. 430.07 S.L. 430.07. S.L. 549.100. S.L. 549.42. S.L. 549.44. S.L. 549.123. S.L. 549.44. S.L. 549.123. S.L. 549.119.

(1) The Director shall, having due regard for the necessary hygiene and public health requirements and biodiversity, or the results of relevant risk assessments, ensure that the use of pesticides is minimised or prohibited in certain specific areas. Pesticides should be applied during periods of low human activity such as during night time as deemed most appropriate and as maybe laid down in guidance document provided by the Director. Appropriate risk management measures shall be taken and the use of low-risk plant protection products as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 as implemented by the Plant Protection Products (Implementation) Regulations, and biological control measures shall be considered in the first place. The specific areas in question are:

(a) areas used by the general public or by vulnerable groups as defined in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 as implemented by the Plant Protection Products (Implementation) Regulations, such as public parks and gardens, sports and recreation grounds, school grounds, playgrounds, pavements in civil areas, cemeteries, child care centres and in the close vicinity of healthcare facilities;

(b) protected areas as defined in the Water Policy

Framework Regulations, or other areas identified for the purposes of establishing the necessary conservation measures in accordance with the provisions of the Conservation of Wild Birds

Regulations, the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations and the Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations;

(c) recently treated areas used by or accessible to agricultural workers;

(d) roundabouts and central strips.

(2) Herbicides shall not be used in the areas listed in regulation (1)(a) and (1)(d): Provided that when advised by the Pesticides Control Board, the Director may, authorise the controlled use of such herbicides for the removal of invasive species subject to the Flora, Fauna and Natural

Habitats Protection Regulations, the Trees and Woodlands Protection

Regulations and the Control of Invasive Alien Species of European Union Concern Regulations, as deemed necessary.