I see that Co Roscommon firm Enviraculture is offering control of the mighty invader that is Japanese knotweed.

Its online advert features a lurid video showing the ornamental plant shooting out of the ground, bursting through concrete and tarmac, and even coming out of a grave to cover the headstone.

Agri consultant and planner extraordinaire Pauric Larkin, of Athleague, was a shareholder in the firm, but he transferred his shareholding to UK firm Enviraculture Group Ltd, based in London, now the sole owner.

Larkin has a most colourful past. He upset the rather conservative Agricultural Consultants Association and is no longer a member.