Highly toxic plant found washed up in second location as public warned to avoid touching

""The roots of this plant are highly toxic, the root looks somewhat like a parsnip the public are being asked to avoid this root as brushing against the plant could irritate the skin or if ingested it could be severely dangerous for people and animals," said the local authority."

""Even brushing against the plant can irritate skin and ingesting it can be severely dangerous for both people and animals," they said."

""With recent high tides, winds and swollen rivers, it's likely these plants were uprooted from their usual habitats along the banks of our waterways and shoreline, so please stay alert on your coastal walks.""

Hemlock Water Dropwort has washed up along parts of the Meath and Dublin coastline, including Dollymount Beach on Bull Island and Bettystown beach. The plant's roots resemble parsnips but are highly toxic and can cause severe danger if ingested; even brushing against the plant can irritate skin. Local authorities advise avoiding anything that looks like a parsnip-shaped root, keeping pets and young children close, and reporting sightings. High tides, winds and swollen rivers likely uprooted the plants from riverbanks and wetlands. Hemlock Water Dropwort, also called 'dead man's fingers', is one of the most poisonous plants in Ireland and the UK.

Read at Irish Independent