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. "Please be vigilant when visiting beaches in the Dublin Area," it added. Meath County Council confirmed they received reports of the plant appearing on Bettystown beach in recent days."

""Hemlock Water Dropwort, sometimes referred to as "dead man's fingers", is considered one of the most poisonous plants in Ireland and the UK. It typically grows along riverbanks and in wetland areas. Local resident Max Cody also raised the alarm after discovering what he later identified as the plant during a beach walk. In a social media post, he urged dog walkers and families to be "extra vigilant".""

Dublin City Council reported that Hemlock Water Dropwort washed up on Dollymount Beach on Bull Island and warned that the roots are highly toxic and resemble parsnips. Meath County Council confirmed sightings at Bettystown beach. Visitors are advised not to handle parsnip-shaped roots, to keep pets and young children close, and to report unusual sightings. Authorities warned that brushing against the plant can irritate skin and ingestion can be severely dangerous to people and animals. High tides, winds and swollen rivers likely uprooted plants from riverbanks and wetlands. Hemlock Water Dropwort commonly grows along riverbanks and in wetland areas.

Read at Irish Independent